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Record of Proceedings

Sacramento City Council Meeting - May 21, 2024: Budget Deliberations, Historic Designations, Library Tax Measure

City Council — Tuesday, May 21, 2024
BodySacramento, California
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 21, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:18

Good afternoon, everyone.

0:19

The Sacramento City Council, please come to order with the clerk call the role to establish a quorum.

0:26

Councilmember Kaplan.

0:27

Here.

0:27

Member Tell?

0:31

I'm sorry, said again.

0:33

Okay, so good.

0:34

Um, Mayor Protein Palamontes?

0:35

Here.

0:36

Councilmember Valenzuela?

0:37

Here.

0:37

Vice Mayor Maple?

0:38

Here.

0:38

Councilman Gedda?

0:39

Here.

0:40

Councilmember Jennings?

0:41

Councilmember Vane?

0:42

Here.

0:42

And Mayor Steinberg.

0:43

I am here.

0:45

Vice Mayor Maple, would you please lead us in the land acknowledgement and the Pledge of Allegiance?

0:49

My pleasure.

0:49

Please stand if you are able.

0:51

Please rise for the opening acknowledgments in honor of Sacramento's indigenous people and tribal lands to the original people of this land, the Nissanan people, the Southern Maidu, Valley and Plains Miwok, Putwin Mintu peoples, and the people of the Wilton Rancheria, Sacramento's only federally recognized tribe.

1:08

May we acknowledge and honor the native people who came before us and still walk beside us today on these ancestral lands by choosing to gather today in the active practice of acknowledgement and appreciation for Sacramento's indigenous peoples' history, contribution, and lives.

1:22

Thank you.

1:23

Now remain standing.

1:25

Salute and pledge.

1:26

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

1:33

One nation under God and divisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:40

Well, a very good afternoon to everyone.

1:43

Thank you to this city staff, my colleagues, most importantly, the members uh that we serve out in the public in the audience, but also watching uh today's council meeting.

1:55

Today they're all important.

1:57

Today's an important meeting as we continue to move towards an on-time and balanced city budget by June the 11th.

2:05

But before that, we have two special presentations and a consent calendar.

2:10

And let me begin with special presentation one, which is recognizing Public Works Week, presented by our public works department.

2:18

Oh, is that Councilmember Kaplan, please?

2:21

Thank you, Mayor.

2:22

Um, before I start, I'd like to call up uh Matt Eierman, who's the director of public works, just to say um a couple of words.

2:31

Please, good evening, mayor, members of the city council, Matt Irman, Director of Public Works.

2:40

Today, as we stand at the threshold of the 64th annual National Public Works Week, we gather not only to celebrate but to honor the heartbeat of our city.

2:51

The unsung heroes behind everyday our everyday comfort and safety, our professional uh public works team.

2:59

In the bustling life of the city of Sacramento, it's easy to overlook the vast network of infrastructure that powers our daily lives.

3:07

From the roads to the bridges and the bikeways we traverse, responding to storms and the safe disposal of waste and recyclables.

3:16

None of it would be possible without the steadfast dedication of over 760 public works professionals who are committed to constructing, maintaining, operating, and enhancing the city's essential service.

3:34

Manages over 3100 miles of street infrastructure, more than 400 facilities, 2600 fleet vehicles, and provides weekly recycling and solid waste services to 131,000 households.

3:48

They also manage thousands of parking spaces over four and over 40,000 street lights and champion initiatives for sustainable solutions, active transportation, and the planning and execution of major construction projects that increase accessibility for all of our citizens.

4:08

These professionals are the pillars of our public service, promoting continuous improvements in transportation, sustainability, and public infrastructure.

4:20

Administrative professionals complement these efforts with contract management, fiscal oversight, and administrative support.

4:28

Their unwavering commitment pushes us toward a more sustainable and resilient future, showcasing their deep dedication to our city and its residents.

4:38

As we observe National Public Works Week, we recognize the essential role these professionals play in protecting public health, ensuring safety, and enhancing our quality of life.

4:51

Together, let's celebrate these true heroes who day in and day out build, enhance, maintain the very foundations of our city.

5:00

Here's to our public works professionals.

5:08

It moves us all forward.

5:24

Passed away on May 14th.

5:27

Gabe, an operations general supervisor with our street maintenance division.

5:41

Greatly admired by his colleagues.

5:48

And his absence will be profoundly felt.

5:53

We honor his memory today and extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.

6:09

Matt, if you would give me information, Matt, so please, and and maybe we can get that to his family and to the members of your team.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety███████████████████19%
Budget and Finance█████████████████17%
Public Transportation████████████12%
Public Comments█████████9%
Public Works██████6%
Community Engagement██████6%
Youth Services██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Historic Preservation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Sacramento City Council Meeting - May 21, 2024

The Sacramento City Council met on May 21, 2024, at 5:05 PM to address a full agenda including a consent calendar, two public hearings, a major discussion on the FY2024/25 proposed budget, and an ordinance placing a library parcel tax measure on the November ballot. The meeting began with special presentations recognizing Public Works Week and the Planning Academy graduating class. Following public testimony and council deliberation, the council approved all consent items, adopted historic district and library tax ordinances, and provided direction to staff to incorporate the mayor's budget memo for final adoption on June 11, 2024.

Consent Calendar

  • Item 1: First Amendment to Cost Share Agreement for Design of Lower Beach Lake Overflow Berm Rehabilitation – passed (Motion No. 2024-0124).
  • Item 2: Agreement for Sump 85 Force Main Condition Assessment with Ewers Engineering, Inc. – passed (Motion No. 2024-0125).
  • Item 3: Contract for Belle Cooledge Library Roof Replacement to Madsen Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc. – passed (Motion No. 2024-0126).
  • Item 4: Designation of Sacramento Bulletin as official City newspaper for FY2024/25 – passed (Motion No. 2024-0127).
  • Item 5: Supplemental Agreement for Citywide Printing Services with Mailing Services, Inc. – passed (Motion No. 2024-0128).
  • Item 6: Supplemental Agreement for Revenue Audit and Recovery Services with MuniServices, LLC – passed (Motion No. 2024-0129).
  • Item 7: Contract Supplement for Chemicals and Fertilizers for Parks and Open Spaces – passed (Motion No. 2024-0130).
  • Item 8: Contract Change Order and Authority Reset for Central City Mobility Project – passed (Motion No. 2024-0131).
  • Item 9: Pass for Publication ordinance listing 1950 Arden Way (Home Savings and Loan Building) as a landmark – passed for publication.
  • Item 10: Professional Services Agreement with Holland and Knight for Federal Legislative Advocacy – passed (Motion No. 2024-0132).
  • Item 11: Budgetary Adjustments and Contract Award for Dixieanne Neighborhood Clean and Green Alleys – adopted (Resolution No. 2024-0157).
  • Item 12: Purchase of Rotork and Dezurik Engineered Products and Services (two-thirds vote required) – passed (Motion No. 2024-0133).
  • Item 13: Non-Professional Services contract for Copier Rental and Maintenance to Smile Business Products, Inc. – passed (Motion No. 2024-0134).
  • Item 14: Agreement for Purchase of Wallace & Tiernan Products, Services, and Technical Support – passed (Motion No. 2024-0135).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Item 4 (Newspaper Advertising): One speaker opposed government funding of media, calling the Sacramento Bulletin unconstitutional and partisan. Another speaker criticized the process as a control device.
  • Item 16 (Budget Deliberation): Approximately 60 speakers addressed the council. Positions included:
    • Strong support for the city manager's proposed budget from hospitality representatives (Henry DeVere White, Tim Wolslayer, Javon Gervais, Patrick Mulvaney, Michael Alt, Sonia Bradley, Robert Heidt), emphasizing the need to protect core services and public safety.
    • Continued funding for the Kids Ride Free RT program (Michelle Parassette, Elva Vasquez, Jose Navarro, Vanessa Kudabach, April Ibarra, others). Many urged maintaining the full $1 million city contribution.
    • Support for the Sacramento Fuel Network ($100,000 restoration) from Claudia Rios Manzo, Nielsen Gomez, Alfredo Rivas Gomez, Luz Joana Perazalizarraga, Gabby Trejo, Laura Martinez, Fozia Farouk, and others, highlighting legal services for immigrants.
    • Calls to maintain or increase funding for youth programs, community centers, and the Greenhouse community center (Yolanda Morales, Jacqueline Santos, SAR participants).
    • Opposition to any cuts to public safety and police funding (Angela Miles, Dustin Smith, others).
    • Support for participatory budgeting and Measure U Commission focus group funding (Marjorie Dickinson, Madbeya Salah).
    • Several speakers criticized police spending and called for reallocation to community services (Moises, Kristen Lopez, Keon Bliss).
  • Item 15 (Eichler Historic District): Four speakers in favor, one opposed. Residents and preservation advocates highlighted the district's mid-century modern architecture and open housing history.
  • Public Comments – Matters Not on Agenda: 17 speakers addressed topics including traffic safety (Sherry Martinez's hit-and-run), bike safety, public records requests, remote public comment access, and calls for a ceasefire resolution regarding Palestine.

Discussion Items

  • Item 15 – Ordinance Listing South Land Park Hills (Eichler) Historic District: Staff presented the nomination covering 49 contributing resources on 14 acres. The Preservation Commission had unanimously recommended approval. Councilmember Jennings moved adoption. Public testimony largely supportive. The council held a public hearing and passed Motion No. 2024-0136, adopting Ordinance No. 2024-0012 (historic district listing) and Ordinance No. 2024-0011 (historic district plan). Vote: 9-0.
  • Item 17 – Ordinance for Sacramento Public Library Combined Parcel Tax Measure: Assistant City Manager Laney Millstein and Deputy Director Jarrid Keller presented the proposal to combine and extend existing parcel taxes (Measures X and B) without increasing the rate. The measures account for 16-17% of the library's operating budget. Mayor Pro Tem Talamantes and Councilmember Vang led the motion. Council passed Motion No. 2024-0138 to bypass committee and adopted Ordinance No. 2024-0013, placing the measure on the November 5, 2024 ballot. Vote: 9-0.
  • Item 16 – Fiscal Year 2024/25 Proposed Budget Deliberation: Finance Director Pete Coletto reviewed the $1.6 billion spending plan ( $836 million general fund) closing a $66 million gap without filled position layoffs. Mayor Steinberg presented a $3.3 million restoration package using funds from the Economic Uncertainty Reserve, including $250,000 for Kids Ride Free RT (with proposed collaborative funding from RT and school districts), $570,000 for youth scholarships and fee waivers, $300,000 for park field improvements, $600,000 for Neighborhood Development Action Teams, arts stabilization, digital equity, Fuel Network, fine and fee justice, and language access coordinator. Councilmembers discussed priorities: Councilmember Vang supported the mayor's approach but preferred full $1 million for RT; Councilmember Valenzuela stressed real-time response for DCR and asked for overtime data; Councilmember Kaplan highlighted structural deficits ($77M projected FY26) and called for a two-year budget outlook and progressive business tax; Councilmember Jennings emphasized no layoffs and sustained public safety. Council passed Motion No. 2024-0137 directing staff to incorporate the mayor's memo into the final budget for adoption on June 11, 2024. Vote: 9-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar: All 14 items approved unanimously (9-0).
  • Eichler Historic District: Ordinance adopted to list South Land Park Hills (Eichler) Historic District and adopt its Historic District Plan. (Motion 2024-0136, Ordinance 2024-0012 and 2024-0011). Vote: 9-0.
  • Library Parcel Tax Measure: Ordianance adopted to place a combined parcel tax renewal on the November 5, 2024 ballot (Motion 2024-0138, Ordinance 2024-0013). Vote: 9-0.
  • Budget Direction: Council passed a motion directing the City Manager to incorporate Mayor Steinberg's budget memo into the FY2024/25 Proposed Budget and return for final adoption on June 11, 2024. (Motion 2024-0137). Vote: 9-0.
  • Information Items: Items 18-21 (parcel map approvals) received and filed.
  • Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 11:00 PM in memory of retired public works employee Gabriel Morales and Sacramento Police Officer Daniel Bartlett.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon, everyone. The Sacramento City Council, please come to order with the clerk call the role to establish a quorum. Councilmember Kaplan. Here. Member Tell? I'm sorry, said again. Okay, so good. Um, Mayor Protein Palamontes? Here. Councilmember Valenzuela? Here. Vice Mayor Maple? Here. Councilman Gedda? Here. Councilmember Jennings? Councilmember Vane? Here. And Mayor Steinberg. I am here. Vice Mayor Maple, would you please lead us in the land acknowledgement and the Pledge of Allegiance? My pleasure. Please stand if you are able. Please rise for the opening acknowledgments in honor of Sacramento's indigenous people and tribal lands to the original people of this land, the Nissanan people, the Southern Maidu, Valley and Plains Miwok, Putwin Mintu peoples, and the people of the Wilton Rancheria, Sacramento's only federally recognized tribe. May we acknowledge and honor the native people who came before us and still walk beside us today on these ancestral lands by choosing to gather today in the active practice of acknowledgement and appreciation for Sacramento's indigenous peoples' history, contribution, and lives. Thank you. Now remain standing. Salute and pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God and divisible with liberty and justice for all. Well, a very good afternoon to everyone. Thank you to this city staff, my colleagues, most importantly, the members uh that we serve out in the public in the audience, but also watching uh today's council meeting. Today they're all important. Today's an important meeting as we continue to move towards an on-time and balanced city budget by June the 11th. But before that, we have two special presentations and a consent calendar. And let me begin with special presentation one, which is recognizing Public Works Week, presented by our public works department. Oh, is that Councilmember Kaplan, please? Thank you, Mayor. Um, before I start, I'd like to call up uh Matt Eierman, who's the director of public works, just to say um a couple of words. Please, good evening, mayor, members of the city council, Matt Irman, Director of Public Works. Today, as we stand at the threshold of the 64th annual National Public Works Week, we gather not only to celebrate but to honor the heartbeat of our city. The unsung heroes behind everyday our everyday comfort and safety, our professional uh public works team. In the bustling life of the city of Sacramento, it's easy to overlook the vast network of infrastructure that powers our daily lives. From the roads to the bridges and the bikeways we traverse, responding to storms and the safe disposal of waste and recyclables. None of it would be possible without the steadfast dedication of over 760 public works professionals who are committed to constructing, maintaining, operating, and enhancing the city's essential service. Manages over 3100 miles of street infrastructure, more than 400 facilities, 2600 fleet vehicles, and provides weekly recycling and solid waste services to 131,000 households. They also manage thousands of parking spaces over four and over 40,000 street lights and champion initiatives for sustainable solutions, active transportation, and the planning and execution of major construction projects that increase accessibility for all of our citizens. These professionals are the pillars of our public service, promoting continuous improvements in transportation, sustainability, and public infrastructure. Administrative professionals complement these efforts with contract management, fiscal oversight, and administrative support. Their unwavering commitment pushes us toward a more sustainable and resilient future, showcasing their deep dedication to our city and its residents.

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