CITY OF CITRUS HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Special and Regular Meeting of Wednesday, September 11, 2024 City Hall Council Chambers
6360 Fountain Square Dr., Citrus Heights, CA
CALL SPECIAL MEETING TO ORDER
The special meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Vice Mayor Karpinski-Costa.
Roll Call: Council Members present: Lopez-Taff, Middleton, Schaefer, Karpinski-Costa Council Members absent: None
Staff Members present: Feeney, Jones and Van
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CLOSED SESSION
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(4) (1 case) The City Council, City Manager and City Attorney participated in the closed session.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
There was no reportable action from closed session.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Mayor Karpinski-Costa adjourned the special meeting at 5:45 p.m.
CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER
The regular meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Vice Mayor Karpinski-Costa.
Flag Salute led by Vice Mayor Karpinski-Costa in honor of the fallen on September 11, 2001.
2. Roll Call: Council Members present: Lopez-Taff, Middleton, Schaefer, Karpinski-Costa Council Members absent: None
Staff Members present: Feeney, Herman, Huber, Jones, Kempenaar, Lui, Piva, Turcotte, Van and department directors.
The video statement was read by City Clerk Van.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
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Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, September 11, 2024 ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Council Member Middleton, the City Council approved the agenda.
AYES: Lopez-Taff, Middleton, Schaefer, Karpinski-Costa
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation of the City of Citrus Heights Recognizing "Firefighter Appreciation Month" and "California Firefights Memorial Day"
Council Member Schaefer read and presented the proclamation to representatives from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.
Recognition of Tansu Karademir on the Occasion of His Appointment as Citrus Heights Postmaster
Vice Mayor Karpinski-Costa read and presented the certificate of recognition to Citrus Heights Postmaster Tansu Karademir.
Proclamation of the City of Citrus Heights Proclaiming September 15-21, 2024, as "National Forensic Science Week"
Council Member Lopez-Taff read and presented the proclamation to Danielle Stephenson, Senior Crime Scene/Property Evidence Specialist.
PUBLIC COMMENT
David Shelton suggested the Police Department consider using drones for patrol and other law enforcement activities.
Natalee Price thanked the City Council for sending her to the Neighborhood USA (NUSA) conference.
She said at NUSA, she was asked, "What is your city known for?" and after pondering the question, the Residents' Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH) is going to hold a strategic retreat to discuss what community members want the city to be known for and how residents can support a vision for their city. She announced Good Neighbor Week September 28 - October 4. She stated residents can go to www.CHGoodNeighbor.com to nominate a good neighbor recognizing what they do to make lives better in the community and beginning September 28 you can register an act of neighboring. She also stated you can learn about various activities happening that week on the website. She thanked the REACH board members, Neighborhood Area board members, and community volunteers that make up our city.
City Clerk Van stated a public comment card was submitted for Item 15, however there is no Item 15 on the agenda. She summarized Simone Johnson's comments related to a recommendation to add a no cost sign up for community members to aid in the tier 1 and tier 2 food generator food recovery requirements with Measures to support contact of approved community members.
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Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, September 11, 2024
SPECIAL ITEM
7. Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Council Member Middleton, the City Council appointed Jayna Karpinski-Costa as Mayor and MariJane Lopez-Taff as Vice Mayor.
AYES: Middleton, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
SUBJECT: City Council Vacancy
STAFF REPORT: A. Van
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council consider and discuss the options for filling the vacant City Council District 1 seat and provide direction to staff City Clerk Van stated the item was a result of Bret Daniels' resignation effective August 31 that created a vacancy for District 1 seat. Pursuit to California government code, it sets forth the procedures in the event of a City Council vacancy and states the City Council shall within 60 days of commencement of the vacancy either fill the vacancy by appointment or call a special election to fill the vacancy. She stated the District 1 seat is already scheduled to be filled at the November 5, 2024 General Election and therefore it is not necessary for the City Council to call a special election. The seat could remain vacant until the election and the person elected is seated. If the Council desires to fill by appointment, the individual would only hold office until December 11, 2024, at which time the successful District 1 candidate from the election would be seated.
Public Comment
Albert Fox spoke in support of leaving the District 1 seat vacant until the November 5, 2024 General Election.
City Council comments followed.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Middleton, seconded by Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff, the City Council moved to keep the City Council District 1 seat vacant until the successful candidate from the November 5, 2024 election is seated.
AYES: Middleton, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa, NOES: None
ABSENT: None
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND REGIONAL BOARD UPDATES
Council Member Middleton went to the 9/11 Remembrance event hosted by the Sylvan Cemetery District. She attended a Community Meeting hosted by State Assembly Member Hoover and State Senator Niello. She attended the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center Annual Gala. She went to the 15th Annual Multicultural Business and Career Expo hosted by Russian American Media. She volunteered at Loaves and Fishes on Labor Day to feed our unhoused population.
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Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, September 11, 2024 Council Member Schaefer attended a Sacramento Regional Transit event introducing new cars. He attended two Sacramento Area Council of Governments meetings. He attended a REACH board meeting. He attended a Community Meeting hosted by State Assembly Member Hoover and State Senator Niello. He went to the 9/11 Remembrance event hosted by the Sylvan Cemetery District.
Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff attended a Community Meeting hosted by State Assembly Member Hoover and State Senator Niello. She attended the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center Annual Gala. She went to the 15t Annual Multicultural Business and Career Expo hosted by Russian American Media..
She attended a 2 x 2 Committee meeting with the San Juan Unified School District.
Mayor Karpinski-Costa went to the 15'h Annual Multicultural Business and Career Expo hosted by Russian American Media. She went to the Polish Festival. She attended the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center Annual Gala. She attended a Community Meeting hosted by State Assembly Member Hoover and State Senator Niello. She hosted Monday with the Mayor and announced it would continue through her tenure as mayor. She had a meeting with Police Chief Turcotte. She attended a Sacramento Area Sewer District meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Minutes of the Meeting of August 28, 2024
10. SUBJECT: Regulatory Agreement with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento for Sayonara Drive
STAFF REPORT: C. Kempenaar / A. Bermudez / N. Piva
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-089 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Affordable Housing Regulatory Agreement with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento (HFHGS) for the Sayonara Housing Project
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff, the City Council adopted Consent Calendar Items as follows:
Item 9
AYES: Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Middleton
ABSENT: None
Item 10
AYES: Middleton, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa
NOES:
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, September 11, 2024
11. SUBJECT: Zoning Code Updates
STAFF REPORT: C. Kempenaar / A. Bermudez / S. Lui
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the following:
a. Move to determine the proposed amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines; and b. Move to introduce for 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 various sections of Chapter 106 of the Citrus Heights Municipal Code (Zoning Code Section) Community Development Director Kempenaar introduced the item.
Assistant Planner Lui explained that the General Plan acts as a guide for the City's future development in line with goals, objectives, and policies. The Zoning Code implements the General Plan by outlining standards and uses in zoning designations, and regulates building design and other items. The Zoning Code is updated annually to address items for compliance if there are changes in the state law and with factors such as economic development or newly adopted strategic goals. The Planning Commission reviewed the Zoning Code changes on August 13 and recommended approval of the sections presented tonight. She noted the changes include adding a 10-foot setback requirement for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) balconies, and clarifying existing standards on parking. The most notable Zoning Code changes were made to the Alcohol Beverage Sales/Convenience Stores section to eliminate duplicative processes and retain the City's discretion through the Letter of Public Convenience and Necessity (PCN) process. With the elimination of distance requirements between stores, the City is proposing operational requirements to limit establishment hours and increase security measures to all retailers selling alcohol.
Mayor Karpinski-Costa opened the public hearing.
Public Comment
Sheri Merrick spoke in support of the proposed Zoning Code changes.
Mayor Kapinski-Costa closed the public hearing.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff, the City Council determined the proposed amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines.
AYES: Middleton, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Council Member Middleton, the City Council introduced for 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 Amending Various Sections of Chapter 106 of the Citrus Heights Municipal Code (Zoning Code Section).
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Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, September 11, 2024 AYES: Middleton, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
REGULAR CALENDAR
12. SUBJECT: Approval of Economic Development Support Fund Grant Request by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce
STAFF REPORT: M. Huber
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-090 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, Approving a $25,000 Grant to the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce from the Economic Development Support Fund
Economic Development and Community Engagement Director Huber briefed this item as part of City's annual partnership with the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce. The City has served as a top tier sponsor of the Chamber which gets privileges in marketing, promotions and co-sponsorships. The second component of the request is to help cover the cost of renting the Citrus Heights Community Center in order to host monthly luncheons. The third request is to help the Chamber relocate to a more prominent and visible office space in the Sunrise MarketPlace. The total request is $25,000 which was reviewed and approved by the Quality of Life Committee. Staff recommends the City Council approve the full amount.
Sheri Merrick, on behalf of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the organization's membership successes, programs available to the business community, strategic partnerships, website developments, and marquee events. She gave an overview of their plans to relocate their office to the Sunrise MarketPlace.
City Council questions and comments followed.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-090 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, Approving a $25,000 Grant to the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce from the Economic Development Support Fund.
AYES: Middleton, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
13. SUBJECT: Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights Amending Citrus Heights Code Chapter 50 - Nuisances, Article III. - Camping, Sections 50-500 to 50-508 STAFF REPORT: K. Frey / W. Herman / R. Jones
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council now has the following options for consideration:
Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2024-. _ An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights Amending Chapter 50, Article Ill of the Citrus Heights Municipal Code Relating to Camping
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anTo
Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, September 11, 2024 b. Discuss the proposed ordinance and if the City Council makes any substantive changes to the ordinance, conduct another first reading of Ordinance No. 2024-_ _ An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights Amending Chapter 50, Article Ill of the Citrus Heights Municipal Code Relating to Camping
Police Lieutenant Herman introduced the item as a second reading of the proposed ordinance amendment to the Camping Ordinance, Chapter 50 of the Municipal Code. He noted at the last meeting, City Council had discussion around passenger vehicles and what other rules are being enforced throughout the region. City Council took action to exclude passenger vehicles from the ordinance. Staff did additional research and brought additional information for the Council to consider tonight. The key updates include expanded detinitions and camping on private property. Per the California Vehicle Code, a "passenger vehicle" is any motor vehicle, other than a motortruck, truck tractor, or a bus, and used or maintained for the transportation of persons. He stated there is not a clear-cut definition from a visual perspective for an officer to look at and immediately be able to tell whether that fits the definition of a passenger vehicle in order to exclude it. He noted the same is true for having valid license, registration, or insurance which are regulated by other code sections that require those on public roadways and not private parking. He explained most other jurisdictions around Citrus Heights are consistently enforcing no camping in vehicles and if Citrus Heights moves forward with a second reading as revised from the first reading, we would be the exception to that rule.
City Council questions and comments followed.
Police Lieutenant Herman responded to questions.
Public Comment
Louise McGuire stated most of our homeless are very hard to place and there is no housing for them.
Sally Fisher stated as time has gone on there are more homeless on the streets and housing has become more diminished. She said there is nowhere to put these folks so what they have is their car.
She said it is dangerous to be on the streets and unhoused people steal from one another. She said the beautification project is now allowing the police to confiscate what they have. She said the problem is goice to get worse. She asked the City Council to consider allowing them to stay in their cars as an Alfred Sanchez gave his personal account of sleeping in his car. He stated if individuals are maintaining their registration, insurance, and the car, it shows him they are doing something more than wanting to be a vagrant and doing nothing for themselves. He requested to keep passenger vehicles in place as allowable. He stated if they are doing something wrong, there is discretion to say somebody is creating a nuisance.
Michael Lagomarsino stated the problem with allowing vehicle parking is that we would be the only city that allows it and he wonders if it opens up the door for people from all the other cities to move to Citrus Heights.
City Council questions and comments followed
Police Chief Turcotte and Lieutenant Herman responded to questions.
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Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, September 11, 2024 ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff, the City Council made substantive changes to amend Section 50-501 "Definitions" of the ordinance, removing the exception for passenger vehicles and thus conducted a new 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 Amending Chapter 50, Article Ill of the Citrus Heights Municipal Code Relating to Camping.
AYES: Middleton, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
14. SUBJECT: Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate(s) for the League of California Cities Annual Conference
STAFF REPORT: A. Van
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the following:
a. Move to designate a voting delegate and up to two alternates to participate at the Annual Business Meeting on October 18, 2024 during the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) Annual Conference
b. Review and give direction on the proposed 2024 Cal Cities resolution to be presented during the Annual Business Meeting
City Clerk Van introduced the item. She highlighted the resolution that has been presented by the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) which calls upon the Governor and California Legislature to enact laws that ensure that what applies to one, applies to all. The resolution cites examples of rules limiting authority or regulating the conduct of local municipal officials that do not also apply to elected officials.
Staff recommends the City Council designate a voting delegate and up to two alternates to participate in the Cal Cities Annual Business Meeting and determine a City position on the resolution so the voting delegate can represent the City's position.
City Council questions and comments followed.
ACTION: On a motion by Mayor Karpinski-Costa, seconded by Council Member Schaefer, the City Council designated Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff as the voting delegate and Mayor Karpinski-Costa and Council Member Schaefer as the two alternates to participate at the Annual Business Meeting on October 18, 2024 during the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) Annual Conference.
AYES: Middleton, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa
NOES:
ABSENT: None
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Mayor Karpinski-Costa, the City Council determined a City position of "support" of the proposed 2024 Cal Cities resolution to be presented during the Annual Business Meeting.
AYES: Middleton, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa
NOES: None
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Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, September 11, 2024 ABSENT: None
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
None
CITY MANAGER ITEMS
City Manager Feeney recognized the 9/11 Remembrance event at the Sylvan Cemetery and honored the first responders that serve our community. He gave a reminder of the Battle of the Bands & BBQs event hosted by American Legion Post 637 on September 14 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Rusch Park. He announced Police Chief Turcotte will be the guest speaker at the September 17 Citrus Heights Chamber Luncheon. He announced the Best of Citrus Heights event on September 19 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Citrus Heights Community Center. He announced Sunday Funday is September 22 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Rusch Park. He announced the passing of Ruben Hernandez, Senior Animal Services Officer.
ITEMS REQUESTED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS / FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Karpinski-Costa adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m. in honor of Ruben Hernandez.
Respectfully submitted,
en au
Amy Van, City Clerk
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