Elk Grove City Council
Special Meeting, August 17, 2022
CITY OF ELK GROVE
Incorporated July 1, 2000
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
CALL
TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
May
or Singh-Allen called the special City Council meeting of August 17, 2022, to order at 6:05 p.m.
Pr
esent: Mayor Singh- Allen, Vice Mayor Suen, and Council Members Hume and Spease.
Abs
ent: Council Member Nguyen (Council Member Nguyen arrived at 6:08 p.m.).
WEL
COME AND MEETING OVERVIEW
Th
e format of th e meeting was intended to be an open discussion with City of Elk Grove officials, City staff, and members of the public concerning a possible zoo project in the City of Elk Grove. Members of the audience and members of the City Council could comment on and discuss the proposed zoo project, as identified on the agenda. The City Council would not take action on any items on the agenda or items raised during the meeting until such items were specifically included on a future City Council agenda as an action item.
May
or Singh-Allen offered greetings and provided opening remarks.
Not
e: Council Member Nguyen arrived at 6:08 p.m.
PRESEN
TATION
3.1 S
taff Presentation and Workshop of Potential New Zoo
Wi
th the aid of a visual presentation (filed), Jason Hill with SH|R Studios, provided an overview of the proposed zoo project , and elements to engage in the interactive stations of the workshop that was the primary basis of the special meeting.
CONV
ERSATION STATIONS
The m
eeting format included various conversation stations at the meeting site for the public, which included the following topics related to a potential zoo project in the City of Elk Grove.
• Why a new zoo?
• What is the process?
Elk Grove City Council
Special Meeting, August 17, 2022
• What have we heard so far?
• How do we design a zoo?
• The site, context, and transportation planning
• The draft concept plan
• Sustainability at the zoo
• Kid Zone
The s
taff proctors of each conversation station reported out feedback received from participants which would be included for the zoo project.
PUBL
IC COMMENT
Ei
ghteen (18) speakers provided the following comments:
The prior zoo site was in proximity to several Sacramento communities, and consideration should be given to consider the loss of the former zoo to those communities, suggesting finding means to assist those communities to visit and interact with the new zoo location;
Provide bicycle and pedestrian access to the zoo from other areas of the City; Consider use of the full 100-acre site for zoo facilities, and incorporate a multi- level parking structure to allow more of the site to be used for zoo facilities; Consider inclusion of an aquarium , a penguin exhibit, a train, growing medicinal plants at the site, and encouraging cultivation of bees; Ensure the site incorporates Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access; Provide language translation services for guests;
Curiosity was raised as to the funding mechanisms and financing of the project;
Consider integrating schools into the zoo with opportunities for class visits, internships, and summer programs;
Continue to engage all properties surrounding the site to ensure residents in proximity to the project remain informed;
Provide opportunities to feed the animals at the zoo; and Consider the long term financial sustainability of the zoo, and look at options such as a measure to support continued operation of the zoo.
ADJO
URNMENT
Wi
th no additional business to conduct, the August 17 , 2022, special City Council meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
JA SON LINDGREN, CITY CLERK
ATTEST:
BOBBIE SINGH-ALLEN, MAYOR