Sacramento County Board of Supervisors Meeting - April 26, 2024

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors met on April 26, 2024, with Chair Kennedy presiding. The meeting covered a consent calendar, public comments, presentations on mosquito control, bike month, and therapy animals, public hearings on benefit changes, affordable housing funding amendments, land use permits for several commercial projects, and board appointments. All votes were unanimous except one item on consent.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2 through 39 were approved unanimously with one dissenting vote on Item 30. Supervisor Frost called out several items: Item 3 (approve $2,145,000 in ARPA district directed funding for District 4, including parks and businesses), Item 17 (award bid of $541,950 for Rio Linda area street lights to Bear Electrical Solutions Inc.), and Item 29 (approve $1,100,000 in ARPA funds for Metro Fire’s mobile integrated health program to improve patient outcomes and reduce emergency department visits). Supervisor Hume and Supervisor Cerna expressed support for Item 29. On Item 30 (amendment with On Track Program Resources, Inc. for $256,669 to continue health and racial equity efforts), Supervisor Frost voted no, stating the racial equity training plan is counter to the California Constitution.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pete Spaulding spoke during off-agenda public comments, raising concerns about the Army Corps of Engineers Contracts 3B and 4B. He noted that nearly 300 people attended an April 8 community conversation, but the Corps did not adequately address questions. He quoted County Parks Director Liz Bellis, who called for a stop to proposed work east of Howe Avenue pending more review and public engagement. Supervisor Desmond thanked Spaulding and indicated continued discussions.

Discussion Items

• Item 40 – Sacramento Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District Annual Presentation: Gary Goodman, district manager, presented. He reported that in 2023, Sacramento County had 53 human West Nile virus cases, about 10 times the three-year average, and 428 cases statewide (double the typical number). The district uses integrated mosquito management including fish breeding, surveillance, and public education. Goodman noted concerns about invasive mosquito species capable of transmitting diseases like malaria. Board members asked about canal systems and susceptibility to severe illness. Supervisor Frost requested a newsletter insert for public outreach.
• Item 41 – May is Bike Month 2024 Presentation: Deborah Banks, executive director of Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, reported that in 2023, participants rode over 500,000 miles, made 38,000 trips by bike, and saved 61,000 tons of CO2. She invited supervisors to promote the month through newsletters.
• Item 42 – Proclamation for National Therapy Animal Day: Chair Kennedy presented a proclamation to Janet and Henry (a therapy dog) for their volunteer work at Kaiser Roseville. Henry demonstrated a 'no barking' trick.
• Item 43 – Public Hearing on Benefit Category Change for 7945 Sorrento Road: Joe Grassick (County Engineering) presented. The property owner requested a change from safety light only to enhanced street and safety light non-residential, increasing annual assessment from $2.56 to $1,352.60. A ballot was mailed; the sole ballot (100%) was in favor. The board opened and closed the hearing, received zero written protests, and approved the change unanimously.
• Item 44 – Approval to Amend CDBG and HOME Loan for Saybrook Apartments: Christine Wikert (SHRA) requested an additional $4,900,000 for rehabilitation and new construction of 27 units at Saybrook Apartments, a 60-unit affordable housing complex for families with disabilities and formerly homeless. Total project cost increased by $13 million due to construction costs, insurance, and delays. The board approved unanimously.
• Item 45 – Approval to Amend HOME Loan for Cornerstone North and South: Christine Wikert requested an additional $2,000,000 in HOME and affordable housing funds for a 108-unit affordable project. Construction costs rose by over $10 million. The board approved unanimously.
• Item 46 – Board Appointments to Commissions and Committees: The board made numerous nominations, reappointments, and continuations for various advisory bodies, including the Children’s Coalition, Community Review Commission, and others. All were approved unanimously.
• Item 47 – Popeyes Restaurant on North Watt Avenue (Use Permit, Special Development Permit, Design Review): Leanne Mueller (Planning) presented a redesigned project (2,600 sq ft with drive-thru) after the board remanded it in March 2023 for better consistency with corridor plans. Improvements include a covered patio, enhanced landscaping, themed sculpture, and reduced parking. The North Highlands Foothill Farms CPAC and DRAC recommended approval. Staff recommended approval. The board voted unanimously.
• Item 48 – Arco at Larchmont Village (Use Permit Amendment, Special Development Permit, Design Review): Leanne Mueller presented a proposal to reconstruct a gas station and convenience store with 24-hour operation, adding new landscaping, relocating the car wash, and providing EV charging stations. The project received a mitigated negative declaration. The board approved unanimously.
• Item 49 – Stockton and Gerber 76 Service Station (Use Permit, Special Development Permit, Design Review, PCN for Beer and Wine): Emma Patton presented. The project includes a 3,500 sq ft convenience store, fueling station, car wash, and EV charging infrastructure (two Level 3, one Level 2, plus future conversion). A public convenience or necessity (PCN) letter for beer and wine sales was requested. The South Sacramento CPAC recommended denial, but the Planning Commission recommended approval (3-1). The applicant accepted conditions from the Sheriff’s Department limiting alcohol sales to 10 p.m.–7 a.m. and prohibiting singles. The board voted unanimously to approve both the development and the PCN. Supervisor Desmond expressed support due to conditions. Supervisor Cerna highlighted the forward-thinking EV design.
• Item 50 – County Executive Comments: A video showcased a disaster preparedness clinical skills refresher for public health nurses in partnership with Sacramento State School of Nursing. Supervisor Desmond also thanked staff and the Sheriff’s Department for recent enforcement operations on massage parlors in District 3, noting many were found engaging in illicit activity, and that ordinance strengthening is forthcoming.

Key Outcomes

• All consent items except Item 30 passed unanimously; Item 30 passed with Supervisor Frost voting no.
• Presentations and proclamations were received and accepted.
• Benefit category change for 7945 Sorrento Road approved.
• Additional funding for Saybrook Apartments ($4.9M) and Cornerstone North and South ($2M) approved.
• Land use permits for Popeyes (North Watt), Arco (Larchmont), and 76 service station (Stockton/Gerber) approved unanimously, each with conditions.
• Board appointments were made to various commissions and committees.
• The board adjourned to closed session.