West Sacramento City Council Meeting – June 26, 2024

The West Sacramento City Council, Redevelopment Agency, and Finance Authority met on June 26, 2024, at 7:08 PM. The meeting included a land acknowledgement, closed session report, a proclamation recognizing AAPI Heritage Month, public comments, consent agenda approvals, several regular agenda items covering bid awards, development projects, special event regulations, waste management fees, tax measure reports, commission appointments, and a street renaming workshop.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved items 3–16 (except pulled items 4, 8, 9, and 15) on a single vote. Pulled items were considered separately.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Danny Langford accused a staff member of providing false information to the Planning Commission regarding police radar trailers and speed enforcement capabilities on Davis Road. She urged the council to review the recorded statement.
• Kaylee Reevas, a young resident, advocated for a splash pad at Bright Park, citing lower costs, inclusive accessibility, water conservation, and year‑round use.
• Robin, a tiny‑home resident, commended the city for its inclusive actions and urged timely passage of the tiny‑home‑on‑wheels ordinance.
• Pat Flint (on consent items 7 and 9) objected to waiving permits before flood‑control agency approval, citing public safety concerns.

Proclamation – Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May 2024)

• Councilmember Orozco presented the proclamation, acknowledging the oversight that the recognition occurred in June rather than May. Several community members and students spoke about the importance of visibility, the model‑minority myth, and the need for consistent celebration. Councilmembers issued apologies and committed to annual recognition in May.

Discussion Items

Item 4 – Bid Award to Central Valley Engineering & Asphalt

• The council approved a contract for a federally funded project despite a bid advisory citing past prevailing‑wage violations. Staff reported positive references from other cities and noted ongoing labor compliance monitoring. Councilmember Guerrero expressed concerns but voted in favor after staff reassurances. (Vote: 5–0)

Item 8 – Gateway Project Partnership

• A major redevelopment partnership for the West Capitol Avenue gateway was approved. Councilmembers highlighted the project’s 31‑year history and its potential to transform a challenging area. Public comment was supportive. (Vote: 5–0)

Item 9 – Riverfront Development Permitting Flexibility

• The council approved allowing construction to proceed before receipt of Corps of Engineers and Central Valley Flood Protection Board permits, with certificate of occupancy withheld until permits are secured. Staff explained the unique riverfront regulatory environment and noted similar flexibility was used for 805 Riverfront. (Vote: 5–0)

Item 15 – Special Events on Parking Lots Ordinance

• The council considered an ordinance to prohibit one‑day concerts on standalone parking lots, while allowing longer‑term uses (e.g., Circue du Soleil). Councilmember Alcala voted no, citing insufficient input from the River Cats. The ordinance passed 3–2 (Hull, Orozco, Early in favor; Alcala, Guerrero opposed). First reading was held; staff will meet with stakeholders before second reading.

Item 17 – Waste Management Settlement and Fee Amendments

• The council approved a settlement agreement with Waste Management including a $200,000 payment, annual $25,000 payments, a smart‑truck program, and a reduced diversion guarantee. Fees for extra pickups and contamination penalties were increased (effective September 1, 2024), but residential refuse rates remain unchanged pending a Proposition 218 process. (Vote: 5–0)

Item 18 – Annual Tax Measures Report (Fiscal Year 2022‑23)

• Finance Manager Becky Robertson presented a detailed report on Measures K, V, E, and N, showing revenues, expenditures, and fund balances from inception through June 30, 2023. Councilmembers praised the transparency and visuals; no action was required. Staff will post the presentation online and add a new financial statement to the annual report.

Item 19 – Appointments to Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Commission

• The council appointed Corey Cummings (District 1) as a full member, citing his extensive community involvement and background, and Brandon Four (District 3) as the alternate member. The appointments aim to improve district representation; a full commission right‑sizing is expected in early 2025. (Approved by voice vote; roll call on Cummings: 5–0; on Four: 5–0)

Item 20 – Renaming of SQ Road and SQ Court (Workshop)

• Deputy City Manager John Robinson presented the state‑mandated renaming process per AB 2022. The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation proposed the name “Tebt” (meaning “streams come together”). Residents expressed concerns about pronunciation and the lake‑themed naming tradition of the subdivision. Council directed staff to hold a joint meeting with the tribe and residents to build consensus before bringing a recommendation to the July 17 meeting for final action.

Item 21 – Salary Schedule Update for Fiscal Year 2024‑25

• The council approved the updated salary schedule reflecting previously approved 3% general salary increases for department heads and other employee groups. (Vote: 5–0)

Key Outcomes

• Consented bulk agenda items (3–16, excluding pulled items).
• Approved bid award to Central Valley Engineering (5‑0).
• Approved Gateway project partnership (5‑0).
• Approved riverfront permit flexibility (5‑0).
• Passed special events parking lot ordinance on first reading (3‑2).
• Approved waste management settlement and fee changes (5‑0).
• Received tax measure report with no action.
• Appointed Corey Cummings and Brandon Four to the TMIC (both 5‑0).
• Directed staff to conduct additional outreach on SQ Road renaming.
• Approved salary schedule update (5‑0).
• Meeting adjourned.