CITY OF CITRUS HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Special and Regular Meetings of Wednesday, February 11, 2026 6360 Fountails are Dr,cil Chaights, A 95621
CALL SPECIAL MEETING TO ORDER
The special meeting was called to order at 5:03 p.m. by Mayor Lopez-Taff.
Roll Call: Council Members present: Karpinski-Costa, Nelson, Schaefer, Middleton, Lopez-Taff Council Members absent: None
Staff Members present: Feeney, D. Jones, R. Jones, Van
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Number of potential cases: 1
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
Mayor Lopez-Taff adjourned the special meeting at 5:55 p.m.
CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER
The regular meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Lopez-Taff.
The Flag Salute was led by Council Member Karpinski-Costa.
2. Roll Call: Council Members present: Karpinski-Costa, Nelson, Schaefer, Middleton, Lopez-Taff Council Members absent: None
Staff Members present: Aguirre, Cuffe, Feeney, Huber, D. Jones, R. Jones, Kempenaar, Van and department directors.
The video statement was read by Acting City Clerk Jones.
Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, February 11, 2026
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Council Member Nelson, the City Council approved the agenda.
AYES: Karpinski-Costa, Nelson, Schaefer, Middleton, Lopez-Taff NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PRESENTATIONS
4. Proclamation of the City of Citrus Heights Proclaiming February 2026 as Black History Month Mayor Lopez-Taff read and presented the Proclamation to Lisa D. Taylor and members of the Purple Pageant.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Josh Gumacal with Congressman Bera's office spoke about the bipartisan resolution introduced in the House of Representatives that declares the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox as "National Day of Play". The resolution encourages people to get off their devices and connect with their community, friends and family. He expressed appreciation to the City for bringing forward its own resolution.
Charles Stone, Commander of American Legion Post 637, spoke about the annual Veteran's Picnic scheduled for April 18, 2026. Richard Tkach spoke about a flag retirement ceremony planned for February 18. Mr. Stone announced that the annual Battle of the Bands will be on September 12.
Lisa Sanchez with the River City Waterway Alliance spoke about the group's efforts to clean, restore and protect local waterways. The Alliance seeks to bring awareness to the health issues of Citrus Heights creeks, namely due to trash and debris. The City's General Services Department has been partnering with the Alliance by disposing of the materials removed from the creeks. Ms. Sanchez thanked Construction/Maintenance Inspector Supervisor Velasquez and his crew, as well as Republic Services, for their partnership. She encouraged the City to provide more attention and resources to the creeks within its jurisdiction. She announced that the Alliance's 1,000th Event celebration will take place next week.
Randy Smith with the River City Waterway Alliance spoke about scheduling a meeting at Sylvan Oaks Library with residents, property owners and business owners who adjoin the creek to discuss the creek debris and issues with encampments. He would like to include District 1 Council Member Nelson, District 3 Council Member Schaefer, Sunrise Recreation & Park District, the Citrus Heights Police Department, and others.
Acting City Clerk Jones read the following public comment submitted by Bethany Brown, "I continue to urge to Citrus Heights City Council to adopt or reaffirm legislation that would designate our city as a sanctuary for all who live here. In addition, I urge you to update the Citrus Heights website to include answers to frequently asked questions regarding immigration and constitutional rights, resources for immigrants, refugees, protesters, and observers, as well as clear messaging from the Citrus Heights police department regarding their role in immigration enforcement and whether or not they will ask for
Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, February 11, 2026 immigration status or report immigration status to DHS. I look forward to seeing these issues addressed on future council meeting agendas. Thank you for your consideration and your commitment to ensuring the safety of our community."
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND REGIONAL BOARD UPDATES
Council Member Nelson attended the State of Public Safety Address by Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho. She attended a meeting of the Arts & Cultural 2x2 and reviewed grant applications.
She went to a Citrus Heights Neighborhood Area 3 (CHANT) meeting.
Council Member Karpinski-Costa attended "History of Citrus Heights You Never Knew", one of the free quarterly presentations hosted by the Citrus Heights Historical Society. She went to the Citrus Heights Rotary Club's Annual Crab Feed. She attended a Sacramento Area Sewer District meeting and reported that the district won a national award for its Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project.
Council Member Schaefer discussed his recent health issues and diagnosis and apologized for missing some commitments. He reported on a Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) Policy & Innovation Committee meeting. He went to a Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) Board meeting and reported that SacRT has discontinued its contract with the Sacramento Police Department and has retained an agreement with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department. He discussed the SacRT Flex program.
Vice Mayor Middleton attended the Arts & Cultural 2x2 and the State of Public Safety Address. She participated in the "Fill the Boot for Burns" fundraiser.
Mayor Lopez-Taff went to the Big Day of Service kick-off, with the first large planning meeting. She announced the next planning meeting and reported that she has been coordinating with the Citrus Heights project co-captains to manage and promote all the projects within the City. She participated in the "Fill the Boot for Burns" fundraiser and displayed a plaque presented to the City by the Firefighters Burn Institute. She went to the Rotary Club's Annual Crab Feed. She has attended several ribbon cutting ceremonies, including Gateway Nails & Spa. She reported on a meeting of the League of CA Cities Sacramento Valley Division, where she is now a board member. She is also on the Cal Cities Environmental Quality Policy Committee.
CONSENT CALENDAR
5. SUBJECT: Support for Annual Designation of the First Saturday After the Spring Equinox as "National Day of Play"
STAFF REPORT: A. Van
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-005, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Expressing Support for the Annual Designation of the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox as "National Day of Play"
6. SUBJECT: Updated Housing Rehabilitation Program Guidelines to Incorporate the Permanent Local Housing Allocation as a Funding Source
STAFF REPORT: C. Kempenaar / N. Piva
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Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, February 11, 2026 RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-006, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Adopting the Updated Housing Rehabilitation Program Guidelines to Incorporate the Permanent Local Housing Allocation as a Funding Source SUBJECT: Quarterly Treasurer's Report
STAFF REPORT: S. Talwar / D. Jenkins
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Treasurer's Report for the quarter ending December 31, 2025.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Karpinski-Costa, seconded by Council Member Schaefer, the City Council adopted Consent Calendar Items 5, 6 and 7.
AYES: Karpinski-Costa, Nelson, Schaefer, Middleton, Lopez-Taff NOES: None
ABSENT: None
REGULAR CALENDAR
SUBJECT: History and Arts Grant Requests - Committee Recommendation for Approval STAFF REPORT: M. Huber
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution 2026-007, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Approving the History and Arts Grant Requests Director Huber introduced the item. She reported that the City received two requests: from Royal Stage and the Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project. Both requests meet the program guidelines and were reviewed by the City Council's Arts & Cultural 2x2.
Public Comment
Tiffany Corona with Royal Stage spoke about the organization's theater and arts offerings and thanked the City for its support.
Kermit Schayltz and Scott Miller with the Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project provided a presentation detailing the project located at Calvary Cemetery and thanked the City for its support and partnership.
City Council questions and comments followed.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Council Member Nelson, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-007, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Approving the History and Arts Grant Requests.
AYES: Karpinski-Costa, Nelson, Schaefer, Middleton, Lopez-Taff NOES: None
ABSENT: None
SUBJECT: Second Reading - Ordinance Establishing Commercial Property Reoccupancy Program
STAFF REPORT: M. Huber / C. Kempenaar / A. Turcotte / S. Lui / A. Aguirre
Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, February 11, 2026 RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Ordinance No. 2026-001, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Adding Chapter 52 to the Citrus Heights Municipal Code to Establish a Commercial Property Reoccupancy Program
Director Kempenaar provided a summary presentation for the benefit of stakeholders not in attendance at the January 28, 2026 City Council meeting. He reviewed the changes made to the program in response to feedback received. He discussed the proposed fees and noted that if businesses proactively register and meet the requirements, the fees would not apply.
Public Comment
Additional written public comment received since the posting of the agenda was distributed to the City Council, posted to the City website and copies were available for the public.
Greg Hall inquired about vacancy rates versus occupancy rates to better understand the impact of the program. Directors Kempenaar and Huber provided responses and summary metrics.
City Council questions and comments followed.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Karpinski-Costa, seconded by Council Member Schaefer, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2026-001, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Adding Chapter 52 to the Citrus Heights Municipal Code to Establish a Commercial Property Reoccupancy Program.
AYES: Karpinski-Costa, Nelson, Schaefer, Middleton, Lopez-Taff NOES: None
ABSENT: None
10. SUBJECT: One Year Update: 2025-2027 Economic Development Work Plan STAFF REPORT: M. Huber / A. Aguirre
Director Huber and Management Analyst I| Aguirre provided a presentation on the Plan, which is a City Council Strategic Objective. The Plan includes five economic development focus categories; Business Attraction Incentive Program guidelines; a new program that was designed based on feedback from engagement, called the Small Business Support Program; 70 implementation steps to advance Economic Development; and 18 sets of metrics to objectively measure results. Director Huber discussed the results of streamlining regulations and processes, onboarding additional staff for economic development liaison and project coordination roles, implementing economic development incentives and programs, and direct business recruitment. She provided a report showing top-visited restaurants based on foot traffic and discussed feedback on the Design Support Fund. Analyst Aguirre presented the business expansion and retention efforts, including the Sign Improvement Grant, Business Safety Hub, and Annual Business Survey. She reported on Small Business Support & Innovation programs, such as the "Love Local" campaign, Businesses of Distinction, and engaging more businesses at events through the Economic Development Support Fund. She reviewed the marketing updates previously provided by Communications Officer Brown in the annual Communications Update. Director Huber spoke to contributions to the organizational culture, such as supporting the Livability Summit and the Chamber Leadership Citrus Heights, as well as upcoming campaigns, events and outreach.
City Council questions and comments followed.
No Action was taken by the City Council.
Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Mayor Lopez-Taff invited high school students in the audience for their government classes to the podium to introduce themselves.
11. SUBJECT: Presentation of Findings and Recommendations for a Youth Advisory Commission or Youth Advisory Liaison
STAFF REPORT: A. Van
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the following:
a. Receive a presentation on findings for a Youth Advisory Commission or Youth Advisory Liaison to City Council; and
b. Consider Adoption of Resolution 2026-008, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Establishing a Youth Advisory Commission.
City Clerk Van provided a presentation evaluating two youth civic engagement options, which has been established as a City Council Strategic Objective. The Youth Advisory Commission would consist of 13 Citrus Heights residents in grades 8-12. Members would serve one-year terms and meet monthly during the school year (September-May). The commission would advise the City Council and staff on youth- related policies, programs, and initiatives. The Youth Advisory Liaison would be a Junior or Senior in high school; attend and participate in City Council meetings with a designated seat at the dais; and could receive a stipend or scholarship. The recommendation was for the Council to establish a Youth Advisory Commission, and proposed next steps were discussed
City Council questions and comments followed.
ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Council Member Nelson, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-008, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Establishing a Youth Advisory Commission.
AYES: Karpinski-Costa, Nelson, Schaefer, Middleton, Lopez-Taff NOES: None
ABSENT: None
12. SUBJECT: Ordinance to Repeal Chapter 2, Article I, Division 5. Construction Board of Appeals and Add Chapter 18, Article XXXI, Building Code Board of Appeals STAFF REPORT: C. Kempenaar / A. Van / J. Cuffe
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council:
a. Introduce for a First Reading, read by title only, and waive the first full reading of Ordinance No. 2026-002, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Repealing Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 5 Construction Board of Appeals and Adding Chapter 18, Article XXXI Building Code Board of Appeals, to the Citrus Heights Municipal Code Relating to Buildings and Building Regulations.
City Clerk Van presented on the item. Due to the challenges with recruitment and infrequency of meetings of the Construction Board of Appeals, staff recommended a transition to a Building Code Board of Appeals comprised of Building Officials in neighboring jurisdictions.
City Council questions and comments followed. Chief Building Official Cuffe responded to questions.
Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, February 11, 2026 ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Vice Mayor Middleton, the City Council Introduced for a First Reading, read by title only, and waived the first full reading of Ordinance No. 2026-002, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Repealing Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 5 Construction Board of Appeals and Adding Chapter 18, Article XXXI Building Code Board of Appeals, to the Citrus Heights Municipal Code Relating to Buildings and Building Regulations.
AYES: Karpinski-Costa, Nelson, Schaefer, Middleton, Lopez-Taff NOES: None
ABSENT: None
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
None
CITY MANAGER ITEMS
City Manager Feeney provided a presentation announcing that the Gateway Activation Plan Mitigated
ITEMS REQUESTED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS / FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Lopez-Taff adjourned the regular meeting at 8:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Anu Van
Any Van i Can