CITY OF CITRUS HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Regular Meeting of Thursday, April 11, 2024
City Hall Council Chambers
6360 Fountain Square Dr., Citrus Heights, CA
CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER
The regular meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Mayor Daniels.
Flag Salute was led by Mayor Daniels.
2. Roll Call: Council Members present: Lopez-Taff, Middleton, Schaefer, Karpinski-Costa, Daniels Council Members absent: None
Staff Members present: Feeney, Huber, Jones, Kempenaar, Riddle, Van and department directors.
3. The video statement was read by City Clerk Van.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
City Clerk announced that Item 15 has been continued to a future meeting.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Lopez-Taff, seconded by Council Member Middleton, the City Council approved the agenda.
AYES: Lopez-Taff, Middleton, Schaefer, Karpinski-Costa, Daniels NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PRESENTATIONS
4. Proclamation of the City of Citrus Heights Proclaiming April 14-20, 2024 as "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week"
Council Member Schaefer read and presented the proclamation. Communications Supervisor Regina Harmon, Police Services Manager Chela Cotrell, and Police Dispatcher Stephanie Donneison accepted the proclamation.
Proclamation of the City of Citrus Heights Proclaiming April 14-20, 2024 as "National Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week"
Vice Mayor Karpinski-Costa read and presented the proclamation. Police Services Supervisor Debra Miller, Senior Animal Services Officer Ruben Hernandez, Animal Services Officer Toni Fleenor, and Program Assistant Becca Henton accepted the proclamation.
Proclamation of the City of Citrus Heights Acknowledging Distinguished Service Medal Recipient Police Officer Joseph Keller
Printed on Recycled Paper
Citrus Heights City Council Thursday, April 11, 2024
Mayor Daniels read and presented the proclamation. Police Chief Turcotte thanked Police Officer Joseph Keller for his work and service to the community. Officer Keller accepted the proclamation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Sheri Merrick introduced herself as the new Executive Director of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce and thanked the Council and City for their support of the Community Awards Dinner event.
Natalee Price, on behalf of the Sylvan Old Auburn Road Neighborhood Association (SOAR), presented a donation of socks to Alfred Sanchez, "Snack Man." She also announced a fireworks booth fundraiser at the corner of Greenback Lane and Sunrise Boulevard on June 28-July 4. In collaboration with Meals on Wheels, SOAR served seniors with the Spring Bounty event and Natalee Price presented photos of the event.
Scott Smith, Citrus Heights resident, spoke on Citrus Heights schools and encouraged the City to have concrete steps for educational improvement.
Kelsey Nelson provided a recap of her attendance at the 2023 Neighborhood USA Conference (NUSA) and encouraged incorporating more history and artwork into her Neighborhood Area 3.
City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Dan Devries, 'I have been waiting for the city building department to answer a question. I noticed that there was a meeting tonight and thought I would ask the folk in charge as to why the city is estimating my project at more than twice the actual value of the project therefore my permit cost have more than doubled. Coincidence... I have a feeling I won't have the opportunity to ask."
City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Rick Hodgkins, "I can't help with that wonder if we are to bring in some stores that are perhaps in other parts of Sacramento county say like Winco foods as well as perhaps Whole Foods to compete with our existing line of grocery stores just like Belair, Raleys, that which we have down on antelope Road and lichen Driveplus we have two Walmarts, neighborhood market and a supercenter. Plus we have a FoodMax. We also have two vacant grocery store sites one across the street from the sunrise mall and another vacant grocery store site across the street from Safeway on greenback and San Juan. Actually it's diagonally across or kitty corner. Plus that we ought to bring ina kitchen supply store either a chefs toys, that which I think it's called as there is one location down on Richard Boulevard or Williams-Sonoma, as there are only two of those different locations one in Loman Plaza in Sacramento another one on Galleria Boulevard in Roseville. Remember, if sunrise mall goes, I go. Thank you."
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND REGIONAL BOARD UPDATES
Council Member Middleton attended the Strategic Planning meeting. She attended the New Woman of the Year event and congratulated Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheri Merrick. She attended the Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt at Rusch Park. She hosted the Sacramento Valley Division Meeting or the League of California Cities. She attended the Citrus Heights Police Department Oath of Office wearing in and promotion ceremony. She met with Kevin Huntzinger with Sunrise Recreation and Par District (SRPD). She spoke with an organization about pop-up shops for small entrepreneurs in the Sunrise Mall.
Printed on Recycled Paper
Citrus Heights City Council Thursday, April 11, 2024
Council Member Lopez-Taff attended the Strategic Planning meeting. She attended the Cannabis Workshop. She met with Kevin Huntzinger with Sunrise Recreation and Park District.
Council Member Schaefer toured the City of Woodland with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG). He provided an update from the SACOG Policy and Innovation Committee. He toured cannabis facilities with Vice Mayor Karpinski-Costa.
Vice Mayor Karpinski-Costa attended a Vice Mayors lunch. She participated in the Spring Bounty event with Natalee Price. She provided an update from the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District. She spoke at Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost's Community Meeting. She attended a girl scout event in recognition of Women's History Month. She attended the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Dinner. She attended the Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers Crab Feed event. She attended a SOAR meeting. She met with Kevin Huntzinger with Sunrise Recreation and Park District. She provided an update from a Sacramento Area Sewer District meeting. She attended a Citrus Heights Marching Band fundraising spaghetti dinner. She toured cannabis facilities with Council Member Schaefer. She attended the Cannabis Workshop. She attended a Quality of Life Committee meeting. She announced she would take the Mayor's place for the upcoming Monday with the Mayor.
Mayor Daniels expressed he would wait until the next meeting to provide his updates.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It is recommended that all consent items be acted on simultaneously unless separate discussion and/or action are requested by a Council Member.
7. SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Minutes of the Meeting of March 14, 2024 SUBJECT: Adoption of Annual Strategic Planning Objectives STAFF REPORT: A. Feeney
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-022A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Adopting the "Twelve-Month Strategic Objectives for April 2024 to March 2025"
SUBJECT: Proposed One-Time Payment to City Manager
STAFF REPORT: R. Jones
RECOMMENDATION: Consider approval of a one-time payment to City Manager
10. SUBJECT: Acceptance of Auburn Heights Subdivision Public Improvements STAFF REPORT: R. Cave / L. Blomquist / A. Flores
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-023 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Accepting the Public Improvements as Complete for the Auburn Heights Subdivision
11. SUBJECT: Resolution of Intention to Renew the Sunrise MarketPlace Property and Business Improvement District
STAFF REPORT: M. Huber / A. Van
RECOMMENDATION:
Printed on Recycled Paper
Citrus Heights City Council Thursday, April 11, 2024
a. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-024 A Resolution of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Declaring Its intention to Renew the Sunrise MarketPlace Property and Business Improvement District b. Introduce for a First Reading, read by title only and waive the full reading of Ordinance No. 2024-_ _ An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights Amending Chapter 22 of the Citrus Heights Municipal Code Renewing the Sunrise MarketPlace Property and Business Improvement District
12. Item moved to Regular Calendar.
City Attorney Jones, stated in regards to item 11 that the Government Code requires him to state that it is a one-time proposed $20,000 non-PERSable payment to the City Manager and not required to be pulled from the Consent Agenda.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Council Member Middleton, the City Council adopted Consent Calendar Items 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.
AYES: Lopez-Taff, Middleton, Schaefer, Karpinski-Costa, Daniels NOES: None
ABSENT: None
REGULAR CALENDAR
13. SUBJECT: Cannabis Dispensary Outreach Update and Council Direction STAFF REPORT: C. Kempenaar / M. Huber
RECOMMENDATION: Provide direct to staff
Community Development Director Kempenaar provided an overview of the history of cannabis legislation in California and restated prior Council direction to conduct outreach and report back to Council.
Economic Development and Community Engagement Director Huber stated the primary channels of outreach included a Flashvote tool, community workshop, and online feedback. She presented the Flashvote survey results. She stated the City held a community workshop on April 3 for residents to engage in conversation and provide feedback. She provided a summary of online feedback received.
Community Development Director Kempenaar presented options for Council consideration.
City Council comments followed.
Public Comment
David Warren stated he views the opening of cannabis dispensaries as a public safety safeguard. If legal sales are allowed in the City that are competitive in price with illegal sales, it will force the illegal individuals out of the City.
Printed on Recycled Paper
Citrus Heights City Council Thursday, April 11, 2024
Carol Alexander expressed concerns that the City's outreach did not reach all people and registered voters.
If the Council moves forward with action she requested Council consider making provisions that if things aren't going well that the Council can get out of it.
Albert Fox spoke in opposition to retail cannabis dispensaries in Citrus Heights. He stated if you believe our city coffers are so depleted of resources that we must rely on the miniscule taxes from dispensaries to sustain our infrastructure, then instruct staff to prepare a ballot measure and allow citizens to vote their choice.
John Kane spoke in opposition to retail cannabis dispensaries in Citrus Heights.
Bill Van Duker expressed concerns over the possible locations of dispensaries and the increased traffic impacts on neighboring businesses.
Isaac Altamirano, resident and cannabis operator, stated if Council does pass retail cannabis regulations to also consider the small businesses and not just big companies. He owns a micro cannabis business, which has distribution, non-volatile manufacturing and delivery services.
Richard Bartlett spoke in opposition to moving the item forward without further consideration of crime impacts and speaking to surrounding cities who have not approved it and asking why.
Bill Shirley stated most people that attended the community workshop were either for or against with little in between and if brought to a vote, it would be a divisive campaign. He expressed concerns that more availability would lead to more use and potential addictions. He requested outreach to the Neighborhood Areas of the proposed locations and speak with business owners. He spoke in favor of having a ballot measure to let the voters decide if retail cannabis dispensaries should be allowed in the city.
Ray Riehle spoke in favor of suspending efforts to advance a Cannabis Ordinance. He said if the Council would like to pursue dispensaries, he would ask they put it to a vote of the people in a ballot initiative.
Jimmy Bobak said he agreed with comments by David Warren and spoke on the difference of a delivery from retail cannabis locations versus delivery only companies that service Citrus Heights.
Carla Lowe spoke in favor of suspending efforts to advance a Cannabis Ordinance.
Alfred Sanchez spoke in favor option three as presented by staff, which is bringing forward a Cannabis Tax Measure for Council Consideration and follow with an Ordinance if the Tax Measure is approved in November.
Benny Gardner requested Council consider competition, access, and buffer zones when drafting a cannabis Ordinance. He requested Council to consider other cannabis businesses besides retail such as non-storefront retail, cultivation, and manufacturing.
City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Roberta MacGlashan, "I represented the City of Citrus Heights for 20 years. Approving retail marijuana stores is the wrong direction for Citrus Heights. The ballot measure that legalized recreational marijuana use maintained the right for cities to decide whether to allow retail sales. Only Sacramento and Isleton allow retail sales in Sacramento County.
Citrus Heights residents can easily obtain the product in Sacramento or via a delivery service. I understand
Printed on Recycled Paper
Citrus Heights City Council Thursday, April 11, 2024
the attraction of additional revenue to fund City services and infrastructure, but is it worth it? Is this the new image the City wants to promote as you work to reimagine the future of Sunrise Mall and Sunrise Marketplace? Proposed taxation and establishment of marijuana businesses will require establishment of a new program and staffing to administer. It will require code enforcement, auditing, compliance monitoring and addressing social equity. Have you addressed the numbers and locations of these businesses? Will they be permitted uses (in which zones?) or require a use permit? Will there be setbacks from sensitive uses? Will they be allowed near prime locations such as Sunrise Marketplace, City Hall, the Community Center? Marijuana retailers will try to sell you on an attractive veneer that normalizes recreational drug use.
Don't be fooled. Putting Citrus Heights on the map as a destination for marijuana sales will not increase public safety or burnish the City's image, and the marginal increase in revenues will be limited by the costs of administration. This decision could forever change the character of the city we worked so hard to form." City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Jeannie Bruins, "Mayor Daniels and Council Members, I'm out of town and unable to attend the meeting so / am submitting my comments in writing to be can be read into the record. Vice Mayor Karpinski-Costa told me that the council was bringing marijuana retail stores to Citrus Heights to fund road improvements, yet at the March 14 council meeting, Mayor Daniels stated that allowing marijuana stores in Citrus Heights is not about the money, that the city has 'plenty of money' in the budget and reserve. If it isn't about the money, then what IS it about? Any revenue raised will do nothing other than fund additional police to handle the increased crime and homelessness attracted to this island of marijuana sales, because surrounding jurisdictions have the sense to deny the presence of marijuana retail stores. Each council member received a publication entitled The Risks of Marijuana Usage. I hope you read it. Despite the rhetoric of the marijuana purveyors, it is scientifically and medically proven that the THC level in marijuana today reaches up to 30% as compared to the marijuana of the 60s and 70s at about 3%. It is genetically modified to be highly addictive. If you change the ordinance to allow marijuana retail sales in Citrus Heights, do it with the full knowledge of the harm that you are doing to our city. Sacramento is a haven for marijuana stores. Folsom and Roseville prohibit them. Look at these cities. Which ones do you want to emulate?" City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Sloan, "I am unable to attend the meeting tonight but want to voice my dismay that our City leaders are even considering putting marijuana stores in our community. I know most of you and that you have children and/or grandchildren. Is this the future you want for them? It is hard for me to believe that drugs are the answer to the worlds problems. As a mother and grandmother I am personally aware of the dangers of marijuana. It can be the stepping stone to a live of misery. Since our Mayor stated we do not need the funding. Then WHY would you even consider this option?? I see no good outcome for this action. I ask you to reconsider your recommendation to purposely trying to destroy the lives of children and families with your decision to support these stores. I don't need to state the obvious risks to the citizens of our once great communitv. Let your concious be your guide. Is this the legacy you want to leave behind???"
City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Donna Crawford, "I want to start by saying I am totally against cannabis dispenseries in our City. I have a brother who marijuana has totally altered his life. He started at age 12 smoking marijuana and now has schizophrenia so bad that he hears voices and is in and out of jail because of his use. As I said in an email I sent to the City Manager and the City Council last week a report recently shown on World News Tonight a study found the potency of TCH is ten times higher in todays marijuana than in the 60,s, 70,s or 80,s and daily use resulted in 5 times the amount of psychosis which was proven to go on to schizophrenia or bipolar. These statistics don't lie. I would hope those making this decision will consider banning these dispensaries in Citrus Heights."
Printed on Recycled Paper
Citrus Heights City Council Thursday, April 11, 2024
City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Amanda Carrillo, "I am in favor of retail cannabis. Please see attached documents, I've also emailed a copy to the Council." City Clerk Van stated there were several letters submitted after the posting of the agenda packet which were provided to the Council.
City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Mark Carillo, "The Weed for Warriors Project is pro-retail storefront cannabis access for Citrus Heights. See attached." City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Irene Hronicek, "Mayor Daniels and Council Members. I am sorry to miss the opportunity to speak in person. Please include my comments for the record. I urge to City Council to review and maintain the original concerns and intentions of the City when the existing ordinance was put in place. The concerns still exist. And hopefully the intentions retain their importance. Much time and money has been spent by the marijuana industry to modify and increase the THC levels making the marijuana sold today more addictive and damaging. Please consider this when allowing edibles and weed to become even more available in our City. The proposal to allow marijuana sales within 2500' of Interstate 80 would offer freeway visibility and draw nonresidents into the already congested areas at Antelope and I-80, and Auburn and I-80. Is it the intention of the City to make these areas a "destination" for financial gain? Is this the forward facing image we wish to promote? Are other cities, like Roseville and Rocklin, working to promote this image among commuters, travelers and residents? The proposed areas at Antelope and at Auburn are already targeted by the City for beautification and blight abatement. These areas already have concerns of traffic congestion, campers, panhandlers, blight from destroyed fences and property, and collected trash. The City and CHPD already expend resources to reduce these existing concerns. Is it anticipated that these concerns will reduce or increase if marijuana sales are allowed? Please consider all sides and consequences, thank you." Council Member Lopez-Taff stated she would opt for Option 2: suspend efforts to advance Cannabis Ordinance.
Council Member Schaefer expressed support for option 4 to delay any action and conduct further research on the issue.
Council Member Middleton expressed support to delay any action and to conduct further research on the issue.
Vice Mayor Karpinski-Costa expressed support to delay any action and to conduct further research on the issue. She also requested staff do more public outreach to gather feedback on this issue.
Mayor Daniels expressed support to delay any action and to conduct further research on the issue and to do further public outreach.
By majority consensus, the City Council directed staff to delay any action on the proposed timeline as outlined in the February 8, 2024 City Council staff report, conduct further research related to retail cannabis ordinance modifications, and conduct additional public outreach. No exact timeline or process was established by the City Council.
12. SUBJECI: Approval of Neighborhood Improvement Partnership Fund Applications
Printed on Recycled Paper
Citrus Heights City Council Thursday, April 11, 2024
STAFF REPORT: M. Huber / C. Riddle
RECOMMENDATION:
a. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-—A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Approving Neighborhood Improvement Partnership Funding for Citrus Heights Arts b. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-025 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Approving Neighborhood Improvement Partnership Funding for Sunrise Ranch (Area 6)
c. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-_ _A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Approving Neighborhood Improvement Partnership Funding for Sylvan Old Auburn (SOAR) (Area 10)
Council Member Middleton recused herself due to a conflict of interest as she has a family relation to the applicant for Citrus Heights Arts.
Management Analyst Riddle provided an overview of the Neighborhood Improvement Partnership (NIP) funding application review process. She stated three applications were received requesting funding to attend the Neighborhood USA Conference (NUSA). The applications were also presented to the Quality of Life Committee for review. One council member recommended funding all three applications and one council member recommended funding two requests, specifically Sunrise Ranch (Area 6) and one other with no specified preference. Staff is recommending the approval of all three applications.
City Council questions and comments followed.
Management Analyst Riddle, Economic Development and Community Engagement Director Huber and City Manager Feeney responded to questions.
Public Comment
Natalee Price expressed frustrations over the application process. She clarified that she submitted an application as an individual, not as a representative of her Neighborhood Area SOAR.
Ruth Fox, from Area 6 and REACH committee member, spoke in support of the new REACH President, Natalee Price, attending the conference.
Mayor Daniels made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024- A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Approving Neighborhood Improvement Partnership Funding for Citrus Heights Arts. Due to a lack of a second, the motion died.
ACTION: On a motion by Mayor Daniels, seconded by Council Member Schaefer, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-025 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Approving Neighborhood Improvement Partnership Funding for Sunrise Ranch (Area 6).
AYES: Lopez-Taff, Schaefer, Karpinski-Costa, Daniels
NOES: None
ABSENT: Middleton (recused)
Printed on Recycled Paper
Citrus Heights City Council Thursday, April 11, 2024
ACTION: On a motion by Mayor Daniels, seconded by Council Member Schaefer, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-026 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Approving Neighborhood Improvement Partnership Funding for Sylvan Old Auburn (SOAR) (Area 10) AYES: Lopez-Taff, Schaefer, Karpinski-Costa, Daniels
NOES: None
ABSENT: Middleton (recused)
14. SUBJECT: Ordinance Amending Citrus Heights Municipal Code Section 2-32 Regarding City Council Compensation
STAFF REPORT: A. Van
RECOMMENDATION: Introduce for a first reading, read by title only and waive the full reading of Ordinance No. 2024-_ An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Amending Citrus Heights Municipal Code Section 2-32 Regarding City Council Compensation City Clerk Van provided an overview of the item. She explained the Governor signed Senate Bill 329 into law which amended the Government Code which allows for the first increase to the City Council pay maximums since 1984. In 1997, the City Council established the City Council compensation at $600 per month which has not been increased since. With the new Senate Bill effective January 1, 2024 and based on the City's population, the maximum allowed compensation would be $1,900 per month. She stated the item is to consider an Ordinance to increase Council Members' monthly salary to the maximum allowed per state law and if the item is approved, the Ordinance would become operative when a new member of the City Council is sworn into office or when a member starts a new term.
City Council questions and comments followed.
City Clerk Van and City Attorney Jones responded to questions.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, 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. 2024- _ An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Amending Citrus Heights Municipal Code Section 2-32 Regarding City Council Compensation.
AYES: Lopez-Taff, Middleton, Schaefer, Daniels
NOES: Karpinski-Costa
ABSENT: None
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
15. SUBJECT: Police Department Annual Report •
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
City Clerk Van announced the item was continued to a future City Council meeting.
CITY MANAGER ITEMS
None.
Printed on Recycled Paper
Citrus Heights City Council Thursday, April 11, 2024
ITEMS REQUESTED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS / FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS vice Mayor Karpinski-Costa requested an update on proposed legislation relating to property tax assessments on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Council Member Middleton supported the request Vice Mayor Karpinski-Costa requested a discussion item to consider suspending the Planning Commission for a year or two. The request was seconded by Council Member Middleton.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Daniels adjourned the meeting at 9:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Van
Amy Van, City Clerk
Printed on Recycled Paper