This meeting featured comprehensive presentations on development review processes, parks and recreation fee structures, and community health initiatives. The council addressed multiple consent agenda items and conducted important public hearings.
The meeting began with a land acknowledgment recognizing the indigenous people of West Sacramento. Deputy Police Chief Charles Meeks led the Pledge of Allegiance. The council reported no items from closed session.
Guy Stevenson addressed concerns about VIA transit services, citing unsafe vehicles and inadequate background checks for drivers. He also discussed personal issues related to workers' compensation from his 28.5-year tenure as a West Sacramento firefighter, requesting assistance with knee surgery needs dating back to 2009.
Sacramento Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District Luz Maria Robles presented the annual mosquito control update, reporting minimal West Nile virus activity in West Sacramento (only 3 positive samples in 2023, zero dead birds). However, invasive mosquitoes discovered in 2019 have spread rapidly, particularly concentrated in the State Streets area. The district launched a sterile insect technique pilot program in South Natomas, releasing thousands of sterile male mosquitoes to reduce populations. Residents can sign up for spray notifications at fightthebite.net.
YOLO Community Foundation State of Nonprofit Industry Jessica Hubbard and Carolina Valverde presented findings from their annual survey of 68 nonprofits. Key findings included:
West Sac Play The all-volunteer nonprofit presented a check for hydration stations across city parks. Since 2014, they've raised over $100,000 for park improvements, including shade structures and playground upgrades. Their annual Farm to Park fundraising event is scheduled for September 13th.
The council approved items 5-17 with exceptions for items 12 and 16, which were pulled for separate votes:
Other notable approvals included Park Boulevard improvements (striping for bike lanes and pedestrian crossings from Stone Boulevard to Jefferson) and Alice Norman Baseball Playfield conversion to accommodate both baseball and softball.
Two public hearings were conducted with no public comment:
Community Development Director Andrea House presented comprehensive improvements to development review processes, including:
The fee study revealed the city currently under-recovers costs by approximately $1.6 million annually. Some fees were found to be recovering less than 50 cents on the dollar. The updated fee structure aims for cost recovery while remaining competitive with neighboring jurisdictions.
Parks Director Kate Smith presented a new framework for cost recovery based on service type rather than demographics. The department spends approximately $12.6 million annually on programs and services, recovering only about $2 million (15%) through fees.
The proposed framework ranges from 0% cost recovery for open access activities (parks, trails) to higher percentages for specialized services. About 95% of current fees fell within reasonable ranges, but some outliers were identified, including senior drop-in passes currently priced at $5 annually with only 3% cost recovery.
Both fee study workshops emphasized balancing cost recovery with community accessibility, with provisions for potential sliding scale programs for low-income residents.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It absolutely is. All the lights are not. I mean, it's damned either way, though. Because it's the time. It's the time. They're broken. They're broken. They both suck. Lights are broken. We're in the dark. It wasn't as bad as, like, as when we were, like, completely in the dark. It's been worse. It's been worse. Yeah. It's been worse. It's been worse. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm going to take this. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm going to take this. I'm sure. I'm sure. Is this a good job? In case I get lost in my computer. What the heck is all this? I'm sorry. To begin with the land acknowledgment, we would like to acknowledge that the land on which we live, work, learn, and commune is the original homelands of the indigenous people of West Sacramento who have stewarded this land throughout the generations. We acknowledge and we thank the original inhabitants who have occupied, maintained, and secured this place and who still exist on this land. We respect and celebrate the many diverse indigenous people still connected to this land on which we gather. The council met in closed session. There are no items to report. And, Mr. City Attorney, is there anything else? No, ma'am. Nothing to report. Thank you so much.