Elk Grove City Council
Regular Meeting, January 28, 2026
CITY OF E
LK GROVE
Incorporated July 1, 2000
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
CALL TO ORDE
R / ROLL CALL
Mayor Singh
-Allen called the regular City Council meeting of January 28, 2026, to order at 6:01 p.m.
Present: May
or Singh-Allen, Vice Mayor Suen, and Council Members Brewer, Robles, and Spease.
Absent: None.
Vice Mayor
Suen read the Land Acknowledgement.
Darren Wil
son led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Sing
h-Allen asked that a moment of silence be observed.
APPROVAL O
F CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Motion: M/S S
pease/Suen to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5 (Singh- Allen, Suen, Brewer, Robles, Spease); Noes: 0; Absent: 0.
CLOSED SESSI
ON
None.
PRESENT
ATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS
4.1 Mayor Si
ngh-Allen presented a proclamation in recognition of Black History Month to Lorreen Pryor for her leadership of the Black Youth Leadership Project.
4.2 Department
heads introduced newly hired employees of the prior quarter.
GENERAL PUBL
IC COMMENT:
Kara Lack and B
ecca Smithart spoke in support of Musical Mayhem Productions providing youth theatre in the community , and invited the community to view upcoming performances.
Bonnie Stensl
er expressed thanks to Council Member Robles for meeting with members of the Glenbrooke Community.
Elk Grove City Council
Regular Meeting, January 28, 2026
Lynn Wheat
expressed appreciation for the City’s ongoing efforts in locating a permanent homeless shelter in the community, raised concern of selecting a site that was isolated from services, and encouraged visiting the potential sites to consider selecting a site that best meets the needs of the homeless community to be served through the facility.
Carolyn S
oares submitted images (filed) of flooding in the crawlspace beneath her home, noting she had expressed concerns about drainage from a project approved in vicinity to her home, and stated that the approval was for drainage to go from the west to the east (upon inquiry she found that the plan was changed by the project owner with the engineering division of the City from east to west and she stated that such a change would flood her property). She noted that i ssues with the project site had been ongoing for months requiring calls to Code Enforcement with issues or road damage, weed abatement, and signage blocking exits. Ms. Soares commented on the proposed Summer Villas project that it should remain two-acre estate, and not any higher density.
Communit
y Development Director Christopher Jordan stated he had received the communications and concerns of Ms. Soares , and staff continued to work with the developer on the issues related with construction at the project site.
GENERAL ADM
INISTRATION INFORMATION
City
Manager Jason Behrmann reviewed the Administrative Report for January 28, 2026 (filed).
CONSENT CAL
ENDAR ITEMS
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
Motion: M/S Brewer/Spease to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5 (Singh -Allen, Suen, Brewer, Robles, Spease); Noes: 0; Absent: 0.
Agenda Item No. 7.1: Approved City Council meeting minutes of the January 14, 2026 special meeting.
Agenda Item No. 7.2 : Received report on City Manager approved purchases and contracts authorized by Elk Grove Municipal Code Chapter 3.42 Contracts and Purchasing, and projects awarded under the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act pursuant to Elk Grove Municipal Code Chapter 3.50 Public Works Projects, filed through January 20, 2026.
Agenda Item No. 7.3: Received report on Requests for Proposals, Qualifications, and Bids.
Agenda Item No. 7.4: Received the Monthly Disbursement Summary and AP Check Register Listing for December 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, showing Automatic Clearing House Nos. 24303 through 24443; General Warrant Nos. 150775 through 151227; and Electronic Fund Transfer Nos. 900731 86 through 90073204 .
Elk Grove City Council
Regular Meeting, January 28, 2026
Agenda I
tem No. 7.5: Adopted Ordinance No. 01-2026 amending Elk Grove Municipal Code Section 10.48.020 Speed Limits, to establish speed limits on various roads in the City (Second Reading).
Agenda Item No. 7.6: Adopted Ordinance No. 02-2026 finding no further environmental review is necessary under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15183 (Projects Consistent with a Community Plan, General Plan, or Zoning) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (State CEQA Guidelines) and amending the City of Elk Grove Zoning Map for the Sheldon Meadows Map and Rezone Project (PLNG23-003) (Assessor Parcel Number 121-0210-012) (Second Reading).
Agenda Item No. 7. 7: Adopted Resolution No. 2026- 014 dispensing with the formal request for proposal procedures pursuant to Elk Grove Municipal Code Section
3.42.140(B)(3) and authorizing the City Manager to execute the second amendment to the contract with Veronica Kennedy Therapy for law enforcement counseling and therapy services, modifying the scope of services and increasing total compensation by $125,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $385,000 through October 31, 2026.
Agenda Item No. 7. 8: Adopted Resolution No. 2026-015 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget in accordance with sixteen Credit Reimbursement Agreements with Reynen & Bardis Construction, LLC, for privately constructed facilities in the City of Elk Grove Southeast Policy Area (SEPA) and Laguna Ridge Specific Plan Phase 3 (LRSP P3) Drainage Impact Fee Program for the benefit of the Mendes, Fortune Charter School, Souza Dairy, Esplanade West, and Poppy Keys Southwest Projects.
Agenda Item No. 7.9: Adopted: 1) Resolution No. 2026-016 declaring intention to annex territory to Street Maintenance District No. 1, Zone 3-AV (Annexation No. 59) and to levy a special tax to pay for street maintenance for the 9362 Feickert Dr. Urban Lot Split Project; and 2) Resolution No. 2026- 017 declaring intention to annex territory to Storm Water Drainage Fee Zone 2 (Annexation No. 76) for the 9362 Feickert Dr. Urban Lot Split Project pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982.
Agenda Item No. 7.10 : Adopted Resolution No. 2026 -018 resolution dispensing with the formal bidding procedure pursuant to Elk Grove Municipal Code Section
3.42.180(B)(3) and authorizing the City Manager to approve issuance of purchase orders for furniture for the 9260 Elk Grove Blvd Library Improvements Project (WFC046) as follows: KBM Hogue $69,806.11; KBM Hogue $334,572.20; KBM Hogue $146,067.79; Inside Source $94,016.05; and One Workplace $50,836.00.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Agenda Item No. 8.1: A public hearing to consider an ordinance amending Elk Grove Municipal Code Title 23, Zoning Table 23.27-1 (Allowed Uses and Required Entitlements for Base Zoning Districts) to allow Outdoor Event Center use in the Agricultural -Residential zoning districts (AR-10, AR-5, AR-2, and AR-1) with certain parameters and a resolution approving a Conditional Use Permit and Conditional Use Permit Amendment for the Bartholomew Winery Amendment Project (PLNG24-056) (No Further Environmental Review Necessary).
Elk Grove City Council
Regular Meeting, January 28, 2026
RECOMME
NDATION
1) Introduce an ordinance finding no further environmental review is necessary under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15183 (Projects Consistent with a Community Plan, General Plan, or Zoning) and Section 15162 (Subsequent EIRs and Negative Declarations) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (State CEQA Guidelines) and amending Elk Grove Municipal Code Title 23, Zoning Table 23.27- 1 (Allowed Uses and Required Entitlements for Base Zoning Districts) to allow Outdoor Event Center use in the Agricultural-Residential zoning districts (AR-10, AR-5, AR-2, and AR -1) with certain parameters for the Bartholomew Winery Amendment Project (PLNG24-056); and
2) Adopt a resolution approving a Conditional Use Permit and Conditional Use Permit Amendment for the Bartholomew Winery Amendment Project (PLNG24-056), based on the findings and subject to the conditions of approval included in the Resolution.
With the aid of a visual presentation (filed), Sarah Kirchgessner, Senior Planner, provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Singh-Allen declared the public hearing open.
Darren Wi
lson, applicant representative, spoke in support of the staff recommendation.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Katheri
ne McLain believed the number of events allowed should remain at 48 events, and that 66 events was excessive as it would allow amplified music any night of the week (even if amplified music was stopped at 9 p.m. it remained an imposition for families that lived in proximity to the site) . Ms. McLain noted that to date the business was not supposed to have amplified music, but that she had heard amplified music from the site.
Chandler Ben
der believed any amplified music should be indoor only, as outdoor amplified music disturbs the peace for residences in proximity to the site.
David Bene
detti and Pamela Benedetti voiced support of the staff recommendation believing the project met the noise regulations under the municipal code, and the benefits of the business model providing a venue to bring the community together.
Pam Donnel
ly stated prolonged exposure to sound at 85 decibels was damaging, that sound travels, and she noted submitting to the Planning Commission a petition of over forty signatures of neighbors in the vicinity of the project opposing amplified music.
Michael M
onasky noted the distracting nature of loud sound, and stated his preference to celebrate community gathering not at a business venue at cost, but as experienced for free at Bartholomew Hall at the Elk Grove United Methodist Church.
Darren Wilson, applicant representative, provided closing remarks noting the requests made through the application were to make the project site competitive to other winery sites in region and provide allocations to allow additional events over time, that the project currently could not have indoor amplification, and proposed conditions were added by the applicant to create a controlled environment (such as limiting use of subwoofers and Elk Grove City Council
Regular Meeting, January 28, 2026
amplifi
cations of traditional drum sets for on- site wine tasting operations) to monitor that sound levels remained below 85 decibels at the source (and sound was found to be well below the 50 decibel threshold at the property line and did not take into account the existing sound walls and landscape tree lines that currently exist between the project site and residences in the vicinity) and to cease amplified music an hour prior to business close.
Mayor Singh-Allen declared the public hearing closed.
Mr. Wi
lson clarified that the sound studies took meter readings at the sound wall on applicant’s side, and the 85 decibel source had readings at the property line diminish down to 41 decibels (and that was a direct reading with no wall and no trees between the source and the property edge).
Council M
ember Spease believed Condition 23 should be clarified to require the operator to maintain a log of events for only 60 days (emphasizing that complaints regarding sound should be timely submitted within 60 days of occurrence, and that a log should not be required to be maintained in perpetuity).
The City
Council deliberated on the matter, noting the Conditional Use Permit provided the means for enforcement and could revoke or modify for cause, providing incentive for the operator to work in conjunction with residents.
Senior Pl
anner Kirchgessner noted that implementing the suggested 60-day amendment as proposed by Council Member Spease should apply to both Conditions 23 and 25.
Motion #1: M/S Brewer/Spease to introduce Ordinance No. 03-2026 finding no further environmental review is necessary under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15183 (Projects Consistent with a Community Plan, General Plan, or Zoning) and Section 15162 (Subsequent EIRs and Negative Declarations) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (State CEQA Guidelines) and amending Elk Grove Municipal Code Title 23, Zoning Table 23.27-1 (Allowed Uses and Required Entitlements for Base Zoning Districts) to allow Outdoor Event Center use in the Agricultural-Residential zoning districts (AR-10, AR-5, AR-2, and AR-1) with certain parameters for the Bartholomew Winery Amendment Project (PLNG24-056). The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5 (Singh-Allen, Suen, Brewer, Robles, Spease); Noes: 0; Absent: 0.
Motion #2: M/S Brewer/Spease to adopt Resolution No. 2026 -019 as amended approving a Conditional Use Permit and Conditional Use Permit Amendment for the Bartholomew Winery Amendment Project (PLNG24-056), based on the findings and subject to the conditions of approval included in the Resolution, and amending Conditions 23 and 25 that the logs of events and complaints (and responses) be maintained not less than 60 days following each Event . The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5 (Singh-Allen, Suen, Brewer, Robles, Spease); Noes: 0; Absent: 0.
REGULAR AGENDA ACTION ITEMS / RECOMMENDATIONS
Agenda Item No. 9.1: Receive information on Senate Bill (SB) 802 and the revised proposal from Sacramento County to update the homelessness and housing partnership structure and provide direction.
Elk Grove City Council
Regular Meeting, January 28, 2026
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a presentation on SB 802 and the revised proposal from Sacramento County to update the homelessness and housing partnership structure and provide direction to staff.
With the
aid of a visual presentation (filed), Sarah Bontrager, Housing and Public Services Manager, provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation.
PUBLIC COMM
ENT:
Michael Monas
ky believed homeless assistance was monetized for big business under current regulations, regulations and programs did not provide actual services, and that affordable housing plans were what were needed. Mr. Monasky believed law enforcement pushes homeless out of communities, he believed SB 802 was bad policy, and businesses profiteering under current regulations needed to pay for providing affordable housing.
City Manager
Behrmann noted the compl exities of the matter, with goals to foster improved regional cooperation, and under this item the request sought to authorize staff to move the legislative position on SB802 to “neutral” contingent on the bill being amended to the satisfaction of staff to address local funding concerns, and in support of Sacramento County’s preferred option for regional governance of housing and homelessness efforts.
The City C
ouncil deliberated on the matter, noting that SB 802 continued to seek pursuing a Joint Powers Authority (JPA), but a JPA was not recommended under Sacramento County’s preferred option for regional governance of housing and homelessness efforts .
The focus on improved collaboration seemed targeted between the City of Sacramento and Sacramento County, whereas many of the surrounding cities believed they were managing housing and homelessness efforts within their jurisdictions . Support was voiced for Sacramento County’s preferred option for regional governance of housing and homelessness efforts, and concerns were raised to ensure protections of local funding and land use authority remaining with individual jurisdictions.
City At
torney Jonathan Hobbs noted a legal question was raised if the legislature can compel local agencies into a JPA , which, if the matter moves forward, ultimately would be answered by the courts if it was a valid use of the legislative power.
Motion: M/S Suen/Brewer to authorize staff to move the legislative position on SB802 to “neutral” contingent on the bill being amended to the satisfaction of staff to address local funding concerns, and in support of Sacramento County’s preferred option for regional governance of housing and homelessness effor ts. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5 (Singh -Allen, Suen, Brewer, Robles, Spease); Noes: 0;
Absent: 0.
Agenda Item No. 9.2: Receive information from staff and provide direction regarding updates to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Elk Grove and the Cosumnes Community Services District concerning Landscape, Trails, and Parks Maintenance (C-19-512).
Elk Grove City Council
Regular Meeting, January 28, 2026
RECOMMENDATION
Receive information from staff and provide direction regarding updates to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Elk Grove and the Cosumnes Community Services District Concerning Landscape, Trails, and Parks Maintenance (C-19-512).
With t
he aid of a visual presentation (filed), Jeff Werner , Public Works Director, provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation.
PUBLIC COM
MENT
None.
The City Council received and filed the report, and directed staff to continue to implement the updates to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Elk Grove and the Cosumnes Community Services District concerning Landscape, Trails, and Parks Maintenance.
Agenda Item No. 9.3: Receive the annual Legislative Update.
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a presentation regarding legislation passed in 2025 that impacts the City of Elk Grove.
With t
he aid of a visual presentation (filed), Christal Love -Lazard, Community Engagement and Government Relations Program Manager , provided the overview presentation.
PUBLIC COM
MENT
None.
The City Council received the presentation update.
COUNCIL COMMENTS / REPORTS / FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Council M
ember Brewer attended the Sacramento Public Library Authority Board meeting.
Vice May
or Suen noted the kick- off for the 2025 Blueprint by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), and stated the recent Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD) meeting had been cancelled.
Council M
ember Spease had no items to report.
Council M
ember Robles expressed appreciation to City staff for working diligently on immigration issues and donations to the Sacramento Family Unity, Education, and Legal (FUEL) Network.
Mayor Sin
gh-Allen noted the Sacramento Regional Transit District Board meeting was cancelled to facilitate participation in the Sacramento Point-In-Time Count. She noted a Elk Grove City Council
Regular Meeting, January 28, 2026
request fr
om Council Member Robles to serve on the 2x2 ad hoc committee with the Wilton Rancheria in lieu of the v ice mayor, and with the consensus of the City Council, Mayor Singh-Allen appointed Council Member Robles to the Wilton Rancheria 2x2 ad hoc committee.
ADJOURNMENT
With no
additional business to conduct, the January 28, 2026 City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:01 p.m. in honor of the lives lost in Minnesota, other parts of the country, and around the world.
JASON L INDGREN, CITY CLERK
ATTEST:
BOBBIE SINGH-ALLEN, MAYOR