CITY OF CITRUS HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Special and Regular Meetings of Wednesday, September 10, 2025 City Hall Council Chambers
6360 Fountain Square Dr., Citrus Heights, CA
CALL SPECIAL MEETING TO ORDER
The special meeting was called to order at 5:02 p.m. by Mayor Karpinski-Costa.
Roll Call: Council Members present: Nelson, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa Council Member absent: Middleton
Staff Members present: Dunning, Feeney, Huber, Sgt. D. Jones, D. Jones, R.
Jones, Kempenaar, Turcotte, Van
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CLOSED SESSION
2. THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES OR FACILITIES
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
The City Council, City Attorney, City Manager and staff participated in the closed session.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
No reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Karpinski-Costa adjourned the special meeting at 5:27 p.m.
CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER
The regular meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Mayor Karpinski-Costa.
The Flag Salute was led by Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff.
2. Roll Call: Council Members present: Nelson, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa Council Member absent: Middleton
Staff Members present: Bermudez, Feeney, Huber, Jones, Kempenaar, Piva, Turcotte, Van and department directors.
The video statement was read by City Clerk Van.
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Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, September 10, 2025
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Council Member Nelson, the City Council approved the agenda.
AYES: Nelson, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa
NOES: None
ABSENT: Middleton
PRESENTATIONS
4. Presentation by Sacramento County on the Homeless Regional Collaboration Model Emily Halcon, Director of Sacramento County's Department of Homeless Services and Housing provided a presentation outlining the efforts to restructure the collective work on homelessness in the region. Also present from the County were Supervisor Rodriguez, County Executive Villanueva and Deputy County Executive Kothari.
Ms. Halcon noted that those working to address homelessness include government, nonprofit partners, advocates and the faith community. Each have different priorities and different capabilities to bring. She reported that one thing heard consistently from the community, however, is the desire for more transparency and stronger action. Residents are looking more towards local elected officials to more directly oversee the work in the community. The partnership model seeks to overcome the fragmentation occurring between elected and appointed bodies, and to retain local jurisdictional control of housing, funding and land use decisions.
Ms. Halcon discussed the historical context of service delivery, including the Continuum of Care (CoC), which is considered the backbone of the delivery of homeless systems. She explained the federal CoC requirements, including composition of Membership, CoC Board and Collaborative Applicant Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Lead. She presented two options for the composition of the new Sacramento Homeless & Housing Board (SHHB):
• Option A - 11 members, comprised of up to 10 elected officials and one member with lived expertise.
• Option B - 15 members, comprised of up to 10 elected officials, one member with lived expertise and up to four community leaders from specific sectors.
Elected officials would come from existing elected bodies in the region: Board of Supervisors, Citrus Heights Council, Elk Grove Council, Folsom Council, Galt Council, Isleton Council, Rancho Cordova Council and Sacramento Council. Ms. Halcon reviewed the timeline and next steps.
City Council questions and comments followed. Council Members expressed favoring Option B.
5. Proclamation of the City of Citrus Heights Proclaiming September 14-20, 2025, as "National Forensic Science Week"
Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff read and presented the Proclamation to Citrus Heights Police Lieutenant Garing and Senior Crime Scene/Property & Evidence Specialist Stephenson.
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Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, September 10, 2025
6. Proclamation of the City of Citrus Heights Proclaiming September 18, 2025 as "Find the Good Day"
Council Member Nelson read and presented the Proclamation to Allie Dumas, Junior League Sacramento President, and Annette Picetti, Junior League Sustainer.
7. Presentation by the Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) on their Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Nonprofit Community Support Grant
Irene Hronicek, President of Citrus Heights HART, provided a report detailing HART's programs, including rental assistance, Winter Sanctuary and Navigator Support. From November 2024 through July 2025, HART assisted 20 households, 23 adults, 24 students and many pets.
City Council questions and comments followed.
PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk Van read the public comment instructions. Mayor Karpinski-Costa announced that starting at the next City Council meeting, the time allotted for each public speaker will be three (3) minutes.
Laura Wilkie would like documentation that the City followed the CA Surplus Land Act related to 7555 Old Auburn Road. She will also be submitting a Public Records Act request.
DaSean Spencer, with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, spoke in support of Consent Item #9, Economic Development Support Fund Allocation for Annual Agreement with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC).
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND REGIONAL BOARD UPDATES
Council Member Nelson attended the Celebration of Hope Gala and Tower Bridge Dinner. She reminded everyone about the upcoming Sac Open Studios and Terra Madre events.
Council Member Schaefer and Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff received a briefing from the General Manager of Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT). He reported on attending a Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) meeting and a SacRT Board meeting. He joined the tour of Republic Services facilities on September 5 and filled in for Mayor Karpinski-Costa at Monday with the Mayor.
Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff reported on attending her first meeting of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) Board. She participated in a meeting of the Sacramento Public Library Authority Board and the SacRT briefing. She attended the Republic Services facilities tour and the Purple Pageant event.
Mayor Karpinski-Costa attended a Sacramento Area Sewer District meeting. She shared that a recent Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District inspection of her backyard showed invasive mosquito larvae present and encouraged the public to report day biting mosquitoes. She provided an update on West Nile virus.
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Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, September 10, 2025
CONSENT CALENDAR
8. SUBJECT: Sylvan Community Center Rental Fee Schedule Update STAFF REPORT: R. Cave / J. Andrews
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-072, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Approving Updates to the Sylvan Community Center Rental Fee Schedule and Use Policy
SUBJECT: Economic Development Support Fund Allocation for Annual Agreement with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC)
STAFF REPORT: M. Huber
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-073, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights Approving an Agreement between the Greater Sacramento Economic Council and the City of Citrus Heights in an amount not to exceed $34,222 for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026
10. SUBJECT: Banking Services Request for Proposals
STAFF REPORT: S. Talwar / A. Preciado
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Council Member Nelson, the City Council adopted Consent Calendar Items 8, 9 and 10.
AYES: Nelson, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa
NOES: None
ABSENT: Middleton
PUBLIC HEARING
11. SUBJECT: Grocery Outlet - 5409 Sunrise Boulevard - Request for Letter of Public Convenience and Necessity (PLN-25-13)
STAFF REPORT: C. Kempenaar / A. Bermudez
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Letter of Public Convenience and Necessity to allow the issuance of a Type 21 alcohol license for the sale of beer/wine for the Grocery Outlet opening at 5409 Sunrise Boulevard
Senior Planner Bermudez provided a presentation. The store proposes to operate 7 days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and they expect to employ about 35 persons. Alcohol sales are expected to be 4-5% of total sales. The Citrus Heights Police Department has reviewed and supports this request.
City Council questions followed. The applicant was present but did not address the Council.
Mayor Karpinski-Costa opened the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. Hearing no public comment, she closed the public hearing.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Council Member Nelson, the City Council approved the Letter of Public Convenience and Necessity to allow the issuance of a Type 21 alcohol license for the sale of beer/wine for the Grocery Outlet opening at 5409 Sunrise Boulevard.
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Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, September 10, 2025 AYES: Nelson, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa
NOES: None
ABSENT: Middleton
REGULAR CALENDAR
12. SUBJECT: Allocation of Non-Profit Community Support Fund - Fiscal Year 2025/2026 STAFF REPORT: M. Huber
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-074 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Approving Non-Profit Community Support Fund Allocations for Fiscal Year 2025/2026
Economic Development & Community Engagement Director Huber provided a presentation. The application period launched in July and closed on August 15. She reported that $150,000 is allocated this year from the General Fund, and the City received 12 applications. The Quality of Life Committee met on August 29 to review applications and determined subsequent recommendations totaling $132,300. The remainder of the funding will stay in the Community Support line item and can be used in other grant programs.
City Council questions followed.
Public Comment
Stephanie Berger, President and Co-Founder of Silver Wishes, spoke about the biggest obstacles seniors are facing now. Their grant request is to support their core program to fulfill one-time meaningful wishes to seniors in Citrus Heights.
Tara Taylor of Single Mom Strong thanked the City Council for the funding and transparency. The bulk of this request is to fund teacher salaries on the front end of opening new classrooms.
Ed Kazmarek of Campus Life Connection thanked staff for their partnership and the City for continuing to support disadvantaged children and their families. The Sayonara Center has benefited over 300 people.
Sarah Hendricks, Band Manager of the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band, requested the City Council approve their funding request, which provides a free, all-ages music program in the community.
Deepak Gilra of Art of Living thanked the City for funding this year's inaugural Yoga Fest and encouraged continued investment in public health and wellness and providing a free, inclusive event.
Amit Verma spoke about the SKY Resilience Training Program for mind-body wellness for veterans and law enforcement. He expressed support for the grant application to fund the "Welcome Home Troops" program, which directly addresses PTSD, anxiety, and depression that many veterans and their families carry.
Gigi Rayford, Executive Director of Citrus Heights Arts, could not be in attendance but provided a video public comment. She expressed appreciation for the City's support of their grant application, which will be used to fund the 3rd annual ArtBeat.
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Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Director Huber presented updated recommendations drafted subsequent to the posting of the agenda packet, to allow for two actions due to a recusal.
Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff recused herself due to a conflict of interest with her involvement in Junior Achievement, one of the grant applicants.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Nelson, seconded by Council Member Schaefer, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-074, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Approving the Non-Profit Community Support Fund Request for Junior Achievement for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.
AYES: Nelson, Schaefer, Karpinski-Costa
NOES: None
ABSENT: Middleton, Lopez-Taff
Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff returned to the dais.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Council Member Nelson, the City Council adopted Adopt Resolution No. 2025-075, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Approving Recommended Non-Profit Community Support Fund Allocations for Fiscal Year 2025/2026
AYES: Nelson, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa
NOES: None
ABSENT: Middleton
Mayor Karpinski-Costa thanked all of the nonprofit grant applicants for the good they do in the community.
13. SUBJECT: Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate(s) for the League of California Cities Annual Conference
STAFF REPORT: A. Van / D. Jones
RECOMMENDATION: Move to designate a voting delegate and up to two alternates to participate in the Annual Business Meeting on October 10, 2025 during the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) Annual Conference
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff, the City Council designated Council Member Nelson as the voting delegate and Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff as an alternate to participate in the Annual Business Meeting on October 10, 2025 during the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) Annual Conference.
AYES: Nelson, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa
NOES: None
ABSENT: Middleton
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
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Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, September 10, 2025 None
CITY MANAGER ITEMS
City Manager Feeney recognized the anniversary of 9/11 and announced the Memorial Ceremony to take place at Sylvan Cemetery. He highlighted the upcoming Battle of the Bands & BBQ, scheduled tor September 13. He noted that Sacramento County Supervisor Rodriguez will host a community meeting at City Hall in the near future. He encouraged all to attend the inaugural Citrus Nights on September 19.
He announced that it had been a somber day at City Hall learning of the passing of Jessica Andrews, Citrus Heights Event Center Supervisor, on September 9. Jessica spearheaded Citrus Nights, and he stated that the best way to honor her would be for the community to turn out for this wonderful event.
Jessica was a valued team member who did so much for the Citrus Heights community, from Stars and Stripes, to all of the events at the Event Center. She will be missed.
ITEMS REQUESTED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS / FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Karpinski-Costa adjourned the regular meeting at 8:14 p.m. in honor of Jessica Andrews.
Respectfully submitted,
en van
Amy Van, City Clerk
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