CITY OF CITRUS HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Special / Regular Meeting of Thursday, February 23, 2023 City Hall Council Chambers
6360 Fountain Square Dive, Citrus Heights, CA
CALL SPECIAL MEETING TO ORDER
The special meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Schaefer.
Roll Call: Council Members present: Karpinski-Costa, Lopez-Taff, Middleton (remote), Schaefer
Council Members absent: Daniels
Staff present at the roll call: Jones and Van
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CLOSED SESSION
2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Manager
The City Council and City Attorney participated in the closed session.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
There was no reportable action from closed session.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Schaefer adjourned the special meeting at 5:33 p.m.
CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER
The regular meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Mayor Schaefer.
The Flag Salute was led by Mayor Schaefer.
Roll Call: Council Members present: Karpinski-Costa, Lopez-Taff, Schaefer Council Members absent: Middleton, Daniels
Staff present: Bermudez, Feeney, Huber, Jones, Kempenaar, Nossardi, Piva, Turcotte, Van and department directors.
The video statement was read by City Clerk Van.
Citrus Heights City Council Minutes Thursday, February 23, 2023
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Karpinski-Costa, seconded by Council Member Lopez-Taff, the City Council approved the agenda.
AYES: Karpinski-Costa, Lopez-Taff, Schaefer
NOES: None
ABSENT: Middleton, Daniels
PUBLIC COMMENT
Thomas Spencer addressed the Council to express his pleasure with the Council and the job they are doing.
Kristy Venrick-Mardon stated she runs a local non-profit animal rescue and expressed concerns regarding dumping of animals at the Crosswoods Community Park. She stated they have contacted Animal Control, Police Department, the park district, the neighboring apartment complex, and the library and they have not received any assistance. She stated we have a serious issue in the community.
Jackie Va stated she represents a volunteer community that works with rescues in the area. She stated they have been monitoring the situation at Crosswoods Community Park and they have been trying to work to get the rabbits into new homes. She stated something needs to be done about the rabbits in the park.
Elizabeth Ruppert stated she is a volunteer with the rabbit animal rescue and expressed concerns regarding the dumping of rabbits at the Crosswoods Community Park and the safety issues it brings.
City Clerk Van read the following written public comment from Olivia Ziter, 'It is a shame that Citrus Heights has done nothing successful in the 30+ years that domestic rabbits have been dumped habitually and illegally at Crosswoods Community Center. Over all these years, multiple rabbit rescues have tried to step in and stop this problem, but they are scared away often due to harassment from the elderly people living in the nearby apartment complex, the staff at the library near by, and the unhoused people who live in the park. Imagine if this were dogs or cats? If someone was dumping dogs in the park, and the dogs were having babies upon babies, the city would instantly step in to help. Where are they for the rabbits? Where are the police that are supposed to be preventing people from committing crimes like this? Where is Animal Control and the local shelters? Why is the city so good at turning it's back on this issue?" City Clerk Van read the following public comment from Cynthia Fagan, "California penal codes 597s and 597.1 state in a nutshell that abandoning pets and neglecting to give them appropriate care are crimes. The rabbits in Crosswoods Community Park are domestic rabbits that have been abandoned and are not receiving appropriate care. Park staff, law enforcement, and animal control are unable to address this issue effectively by themselves, therefore they should work together with each other and with local animal rescues to address the issue. One of many reasons aside from the California penal code for addressing this issue is the fact that residents have spotted coyotes in the area. With self preservation instincts being dulled by breeding for docility, domestic rabbits are easy to catch in comparison to wild rabbits. If coyotes repeatedly go to Crosswoods Community Park, they may acclimate to people and approach small children as prey or try to snatch food and bite in the process. For the health and safety of all: wildlife, domestic pets, and humans, the domestic rabbits should be rehomed by animal control shelters and rescues while park staff and law enforcement work to deter further abandonment through various forms of media, park signage, and cameras."
Citrus Heights City Council Minutes Thursday, February 23, 2023 City Clerk Van read the following public comment from Bruce Hou, "The City needs to do their job and fix the myriad of issues at Crosswoods Community Park. It is a dumping ground for rabbits and all kinds of unwanted pets. It's time the City create a project in partnership with the shelter and animal control to deal with this matter. It's unfair to transfer the burden of caring for this issue into groups that are not based in Citrus Heights.
Citrus Heights must use your own resources to deal with your own problems instead of forcing other groups to step in. Stop denying your responsibilities and obligations as elected officials. This is an urgent issue that your community cares about and you are not addressing."
City Clerk Van read the following public comment from Krystal Kwong, "I've witnessed the ongoing abuse and neglect of domestic rabbits at Crosswoods Community Center & Park. Many have shared that the abuse of these animals has been going on for over 30 years. Sunrise Parks & Rec and Citrus Heights Animal Services have continually passed the responsibility to other agencies while no one is being held accountable for the ongoing illegal dumping of pets. have found far too many sick, injured, and deceased pets at this one park and it's appalling that anyone with a heart would allow this to continue. Last year Animal Services confirmed that it was illegal to abandon pets at the park, but they have shared no plan to hold people accountable.
Almost every day the police are in the park watching the unhoused people, but we still have people dumping domestic rabbits and chickens. With Easter coming up we are anticipating an influx of dumped animals in the coming months. The summer of 2021 there were over a dozen rabbits abandoned within 48 hours. Over the years multiple animal rescues have tried to help at this park, but they eventually stopped when they were harassed and faced with violence from people in the park. Last year I discovered a breeder who was hoarding the rabbits in her bedroom and letting them run free in the park when she couldn't sell them. At one point she had over 20 rabbits in her bedroom. She was never held accountable for her abuse of rabbits." Omar Aicardi spoke regarding the unhoused rabbits at Crosswoods Community Park and near the Sylvan Library. He offered to serve as a liaison to figure out a solution.
PRESENTATIONS
4. Recognition of Retiring Employees
Council Member Lopez-Taff read the proclamation recognizing Information Technology Manager Brian Koski on the occasion of his retirement from the City. Brian Koski was unable to attend the meeting.
Council Member Karpinski-Costa read the proclamation recognizing Human Resources Manager Monica Alejandrez on the occasion of her retirement from the City. Monica Alejandrez was unable to attend the meeting.
Mayor Schaefer read and presented a proclamation to Chief Building Official Greg Anderson in recognition of his service to the City
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND REGIONAL BOARD UPDATES
Council Member Karpinski-Costa provided a report from the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District Board meeting, the Sacramento Transportation Authority Board meeting, and the Sacramento Area Sewer District Board meeting.
Citrus Heights City Council Minutes Thursday, February 23, 2023 Council Member Lopez-Taff attended the Soroptimist/Kiwanis Crab Feed and the Rotary Crab Feed. She attended the Sunrise MarketPlace Board meeting. She provided a report from the Sacramento Public Library Authority Board meeting. She also attended her neighborhood association meeting.
Mayor Schaefer provided a report from the Sacramento Area Council of Governments Board meeting. He announced Citrus Heights Arts is hosting their first Annual Black History Month A Taste of Soul event on February 25, 2023 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Citrus Heights Community Center.
CONSENT CALENDAR
5. SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Minutes of the Meeting of February 9, 2023 ACIION: On a motion by Council Member Karpinski-Costa, seconded by Council Member Lopez-Tatt, the City Council adopted Consent Calendar Item 5.
AYES: Karpinski-Costa, Lopez-Taff, Schaefer
NOES: None
ABSENT: Middleton, Daniels
PUBLIC HEARING
6. SUBJECT: Proposed Ordinance Prohibiting Commercial Vehicle Parking on Public Streets in the City STAFF REPORT: A. Turcotte / R. Jones
RECOMMENDATION: Introduce for a First Reading, read by title only, and waive the full reading of Ordinance No. 2023-001 An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights Adding Section 94-281 to Article IV Division I of the Citrus Heights Municipal Code Relating to Prohibiting Commercial Vehicle Parking on Public Streets in the City
Police Chief Turcotte provided an overview of the City' current Municipal Code regulations concerning commercial vehicle parking in residential districts. The proposed amendments would extend the parking prohibitions to non-residential districts. He stated the purpose of the ordinance is to promote public safety and walkability in the City by prohibiting the parking of commercial vehicles on public streets in the City. He explained fine amounts will be set by resolution of the City Council at a future meeting. A flyer was created and dispersed to commercial vehicle owners and drivers near problematic areas since January 23, 2023. He stated that following posting of the proposed ordinance, staff received feedback that the language may be too vague and said the following language could be inserted into the ordinance, "No person shall park any commercial vehicle for more than one hour on any highway in a residential district or move and repark such vehicle on any highway in a residential district within 300 feet of the original parking site within any 24-hour period except while loading or unloading property or in connection with and in the aid of the performance of a service to or on a property adjacent to the block in which such vehicle is parked and only for such time in addition to one hour that is reasonably necessary to complete such loading, unloading or service." Council questions followed. City Attorney Jones and Chief Turcotte responded to questions.
Mayor Schaefer opened the public hearing at 6:54 p.m.
Citrus Heights City Council Minutes Thursday, February 23, 2023 Scott Brown owns a commercial vehicle and expressed opposition to the ordinance and the ability to park his commercial vehicle.
City Clerk Van read the following written comment from Sunrise MarketPlace Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter, "Last Fall, we were alerted by property owners along Sunrise Vista of an issue with large commercial vehicles parking on the street. This caused a few problems. The trucks blocked business signage and, more importantly, were difficult to see around when pulling out of Sunrise Rollerland, India Oven, and other business entrances. Officer Schouten noted that it was a hazard when cars had to pull into the oncoming lane to see around the trucks. We requested the City review this and see if an ordinance could address the problem. We support this ordinance, which will benefit Sunrise Vista and other areas in the City experiencing similar issues. We greatly appreciate the City and CHPD responding quickly and effectively with this ordinance."
Mayor Schaefer closed the public hearing at 6:58 p.m.
Council questions and comments followed.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Karpinski-Costa, seconded by Council Member Lopez-Taff, the City Council introduced for a First Reading, read by title only, and waived the full reading of Ordinance No. 2023- 001 An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights Adding Section 94-281 to Article IV Division I of the Citrus Heights Municipal Code Relating to Prohibiting Commercial Vehicle Parking on Public Streets in the City, as amended to add language from Citrus Heights Municipal Code Section 297(f) as noted in Staff's presentation.
AYES: Karpinski-Costa, Lopez-Taff, Schaefer
NOES: None
ABSENT: Middleton, Daniels
SUBJECT: Addition and Amendments to Adopted Master Fee Schedule STAFF REPORT: S. Talwar / T. Nossardi
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2023-015 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Establishing a New Fee and Amending the City User Fees for Certain Services Provided
Finance Manager Nossardi stated the updates to the Master Fee Schedule include shopping cart retrieval fees pursuant to Ordinance No. 2022-012 adopted by City Council - $25 shopping cart retrieval fee and $50 excessive cart impound per occurrence. She also explained that the Rental Housing Inspection Fees that were approved by Council in 2018 are now included in the Master Fee Schedule. Staff recommends reducing the planning fee for Parcel Map-Urban Lot Split from $5,000 to $2,000 based on actual costs. Staff also recommends adding a section titled "City-Wide" and move the appeal fee to this section.
Mayor Schaefer opened the public hearing at 7:11 p.m., hearing no speakers he closed the public hearing.
Council questions and comments followed. City Attorney Jones and Community Development Director Kempenaar responded to questions.
ACTION: On a motion by Mayor Schaefer, seconded by Council Member Karpinski-Costa, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-015 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California,
Citrus Heights City Council Minutes Thursday, February 23, 2023 Establishing a New Fee and Amending the City User Fees for Certain Services Provided, as amended to keep the planning fee for Parcel Map-Urban Lot Split at $5,000.
AYES: Karpinski-Costa, Lopez-Taff, Schaefer
NOES: None
ABSENT: Middleton, Daniels
REGULAR CALENDAR
8. SUBJECT: Resolution to Adopt Affordable Housing Ownership Program Guidelines STAFF REPORT: C. Kempenaar / A. Bermudez / N. Piva
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2023-A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Adopting the Affordable Housing Ownership Program Guidelines and finding the Project is Categorically Exempt from Review under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA guidelines section 15061(b)(3)
Senior Planner Bermudez explained the purposes of the guidelines is to address affordable home ownership with potential new development.
Robyn van Ekelenburg and Teresa Martinez Gonzales with Housing INC provided an overview of the program guidelines: a framework for a successful, equitable and compliant affordable housing program; establishes processes and procedures; outlines roles, responsibilities and covenants for stakeholders and participants; and a roadmap for long-term monitoring and reporting activities and practices. The program guidelines apply to new home development projects and create future homeownership opportunities for people who live and work in Citrus Heights.
Council questions and comments followed.
City Manager Feeney stated the Council could continue this item to a future meeting when all Council Members are present and have a wider discussion.
Item 8 was continued to a future City Council meeting.
9. SUBJECT: Citrus Heights Business Attraction Incentive Program Approval STAFF REPORT: M. Huber
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2023-_ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Approving the Citrus Heights Business Attraction Incentive Program Guidelines and Allocated $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act Funds to Administer the Program Through June 30, 2024
Mayor Schaefer recommended moving Item 9 to a future meeting when all Council Members are present.
Item 9 was continued to a future City Council meeting.
10. SUBJECT: Budget Allocation for "Citrus Heights Cares" Community Pride and Cleanliness Campaign STAFF REPORT: M. Huber
Citrus Heights City Council Minutes Thursday, February 23, 2023 RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2023-018 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Allocating $47,000 in American Rescue Plan Act Funding to Create and Implement the Citrus Heights Cares Community Beautification Campaign Economic Development and Community Engagement Director Huber stated the item is to consider implementation and budget allocation for the Citrus Heights Care Campaign. Staff is recommended a budget allocation of $47,000 for light pole and commercial center signage, as well as advertising and branded promotional items to continue the City's efforts in educating the community about the City's Beautification Program.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Karpinski-Costa, seconded by Lopez-Taff, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-018 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Allocating $47,000 in American Rescue Plan Act Funding to Create and Implement the Citrus Heights Cares Community Beautification Campaign.
AYES: Karpinski-Costa, Lopez-Taff, Schaefer
NOES: None
ABSENT: Middleton, Daniels
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
None
CITY MANAGER ITEMS
City Manager Feeney highlighted some newly installed garbage receptacles and benches at four locations along the Old Auburn Trail as a Neighborhood Improvement Project partnership with CHASEN. He noted repairs have been made to the center median bricks on Sunrise Boulevard. Lastly, he announced the Block Party Trailer is open for reservations.
ITEMS REQUESTED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS/ FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Council Member Karpinski-Costa requested a future agenda item regarding proposed legislation AB 742 which would prohibit the use of police K-9's in certain circumstances. Council Member Lopez-Taff and Mayor Schaefer supported the request.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Schaefer adjourned the regular meeting at 8:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,