West Sacramento City Council, Redevelopment Successor Agency, and Finance Authority Meeting – August 20, 2026

Note: The transcript references the meeting as being called to order on August 19, 2026, but the provided date for this summary is August 20, 2026. The meeting included a closed session, a proclamation, extensive public comment, a public hearing on the River Park development agreement extension, and a workshop on the proposed solid waste collection contract with Green Waste Recovery.

Consent Calendar

• Items 4 through 18 were considered. Council members pulled items 4, 5, 6, and 9 for referral to city commissions for further transparency. Item 7 was pulled for a separate vote due to a recusal. The remaining consent items were approved unanimously after no public comments.
• Item 7 was approved 4-0 (Councilmember Alcala was recused).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Matt Weaver expressed concerns about the closed-session discussion of pending litigation related to cannabis dispensary licensing and alleged lack of transparency, stating that his property at 109 15th Street was excluded from retail cannabis consideration. He urged open public discussion.
• Guy Stevenson praised Public Works and Capitol Projects but raised concerns about unlicensed food vendors and health risks.
• Chris Lodgson (Coalition for a Just and Equitable California) informed the council about SB 515, which requires cities to collect data on descendants of enslaved people starting January 1, 2027.
• Michael reported unresolved issues with the building department regarding sewer line responsibility and complained about train horn noise.
• Maria Garcia (translated) requested a rotation policy for Mayor Pro Tem to ensure equitable representation across districts, noting that District 1 had been bypassed.
• Eric Johnson sought an update on an identity theft report with the West Sacramento Police Department.
• Alfred Melbourne (Three Sisters Gardens) highlighted the need for city support for youth programs and a long-term lease for community farming, noting 250 applications for only 10 summer slots.
• Rhonda Pope Flores criticized the Mayor Pro Tem selection process, calling it disrespectful to District One, and announced plans for a change.org petition.
• Sally Manjuan stated that the city’s governance has historically violated the California Voting Rights Act and demanded an apology for District One.
• Raquel Andrade complained about street disrepair, lack of response from the city manager, and contamination from trucks.
• Additional comments were made by residents on various issues including waste services, billing concerns, and the need for more public outreach.

Discussion Items

Proclamation – Elizabeth “Lizzie” Spink

• The council recognized 14-year-old Lizzie Spink for her heroic actions on October 23, 2025, when she helped a classmate whose clothing caught fire during a science experiment. She received a proclamation for her bravery and expressed her dream to become a firefighter.

Item 19 – Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance 26-57: River Park Development Agreement Extension

• Senior Planner Seamus Laffey presented a request to extend the River Park development agreement by two years (to July 2028) to allow time for environmental review and negotiations. The Planning Commission had recommended a two-year extension.
• Public comment: Matt Weaver urged the council to consider cumulative impacts of multiple developments and not automatically approve extensions.
• Council members discussed the need for infrastructure contributions (e.g., bridge capacity) and requested a good-faith timeline for milestones. The item was for first reading only; second reading is tentatively scheduled for September 9, 2026.

Item 20 – Workshop on Proposed Solid Waste Collection Contract with Green Waste Recovery

• Sustainability Manager Ryan Burnett, Finance Director Roberta Raper, and consultant Kate Schultz (R3 Consulting) presented the RFP process, evaluation criteria, and the recommendation to select Green Waste as the top proposer.
• Key points:
  • The city’s current contract with Waste Management expires in 2027. The RFP was the first competitive procurement in the city’s history.
  • Green Waste scored 86, Waste Management 72, Atlas 69. Strengths included customer service, sustainability (renewable natural gas), a 20% low-income discount, and community partnerships.
  • Rates would increase due to the elimination of a city shortfall (approx. $1.9M) and new state mandates (SB 1383). Proposed phases: Option 1 (starting at $30.50/month for 64-gallon) and Option 2 (starting at $32.38). After three years, rates converge near $40.
  • Post-negotiation enhancements included retaining two bulky waste pickups, four organics carts, and expanding senior discounts.
• Public comment: Over 40 speakers addressed the council. Waste Management employees and residents urged the council to pause the process for more community input, citing higher costs for commercial customers and concerns about billing changes. Green Waste supporters highlighted local partnerships and sustainability commitments.
• Council members expressed concerns about the lack of public engagement before the RFP release. Staff acknowledged the need for additional outreach. The council directed staff to increase community engagement beyond the September 1 open house, including possibly tabling at existing events.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda items were approved, with items 4, 5, 6, and 9 referred to respective commissions for review.
• Item 7 (separate vote) was approved 4-0.
• The first reading of Ordinance 26-57 (River Park extension) was held; second reading set for September 9, 2026. Staff will provide a milestone timeline.
• The waste contract workshop concluded without a vote. Staff will conduct a community open house on September 1, 2026, and pursue additional engagement opportunities. A final decision is anticipated by late September due to bid expiration.
• The council approved adding the International Day of Peace proclamation and peace pole ceremony to the September 9 agenda.
• The meeting was adjourned at an unspecified late hour after extended public comment.