ROCKLIN CITY COUNCIL
ROCKLIN
City Council Regular Meeting
CALIFORNIA
City Hall - Council Chambers
3970 Rocklin Rd. Rocklin, CA 95677
Website: www.rocklin.ca.us
January 14, 2025
General Session 6:00 p.m.
MEETING MINUTES
-FINAL-
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gayaldo called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Gayaldo led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers David Bass, Ken Broadway, Bill Halldin, Greg Janda Mayor Jill Gayaldo
AGENDA REVIEW
Mayor Gayaldo requested that Item PH2 be heard before Item PH1.
CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL
Ms. Kris Martin addressed the City Council on behalf of Placer Valley Stand Down sharing the different services offered to veterans and their families, and noted the following upcoming events: a dining fundraiser on February 1, 2025 at the Red Robin; Luau event on March 1, 2025; and the Stand Down event on May 5-6, 2025 to be held at @ The Grounds.
Ms. Michelle Vass addressed the City Council on behalf of the Community Recognition Commission sharing nominations were being received through February 9, 2025 for the Ruhkala Community Service Awards.
FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 1|P a g el
REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGER
Council Member Halldin reported attendance at the Western Placer Waste Management Authority meeting and shared renovations were underway at the Materials Recovery Facility; attended a menorah lighting ceremony on New Year's Eve organized by Chabad of Placer County which included a fireworks display, along with Vice Mayor Bass.
Vice Mayor Bass reported attendance at a Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting, noting this included a fire review; shared another LAFCO meeting was to be held this week for Rocklin's municipal service review (MSR), noting the City scored high for transparency and engagement in public safety and road maintenance, and added that the MSR recommends the City focus on the financial impacts of SB1383 organics recycling and the electrification of fleet vehicles.
Council Member Janda reported attendance at the Pioneer Community Energy meeting, sharing the 30-day notice received for changes to the bylaws and the rate savings he would be advocating for.
Mayor Gayaldo spoke about the ongoing fires in Los Angeles and hoped for the welfare of its residents; attended the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District meeting noting a multi- year fleet replacement program was underway as well as a drone program to assist with mosquito eradication, shared that the March board meeting for the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) will be hosted in Rocklin; attended the Breakfast with Santa event organized by Scout Troop 29; thanked the Rocklin Firefighters for escorting Santa through City streets during the Santa Tours; and thanked the residents of Pebble Creek Drive for Christmas lights displays during the holidays.
City Manager Zimmermann shared that at an upcoming SACOG meeting, Mayor Gayaldo would likely be selected Vice Chair for the 2025 year; noted that nominations for the Ruhkala Community Service Awards could be submitted through the City's website; shared that the City was accepting applications for unscheduled vacancies on the Board of Appeals and Investment Advisory Committee; indicated City facilities will be closed on January 20, 2025 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and welcomed new Assistant City Manager Andrew Keys to the City team.
Assistant City Manager Keys expressed his excitement in joining the City and looked forward to supporting residents and the business community.
CONSENT CALENDAR
C1. Minutes of the December 4, 2024 Special Meeting of the City Council Action: Approved the Minutes of the December 4, 2024 Special Meeting of the City Council.
FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 2| Page
C2. Minutes of the December 10, 2024 Regular Meeting of the City Council Action: Approved the Minutes of the December 10, 2024 Regular Meeting of the City Council.
C3. Appointments to Regional Boards and Committees for Calendar Year 2025 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-001 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Updating Appointments to the Various Joint Power Agencies, Placer County Committees, Regional Boards, and the City's Architectural Review Committee.
C4. Appointment to the Arts Commission
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-002 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Making an Appointment to the Arts Commission.
C5. Amendments to the Rocklin Municipal Code Establishing a Residential Minimum Density Overlay Zone and Amending the Zoning Map - Second Reading of Ordinance Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 1183 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin to Add Chapter 17.53 to the Rocklin Municipal Code Establishing the Residential Minimum Density Overlay Zone and Amending the Zoning Map of the Rocklin Municipal Code to Designate Parcels Subject to the Residential Minimum Density Overlay Zone.
C6. Sierra College Land Transfer Agreement - Amendment No. 1 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-003 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to the City-College Agreement with Sierra College Joint Community College District for the Transfer of Fee Title for Two Properties.
Revisions to the City of Rocklin's Section 125 Cafeteria Plan Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-004 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Adopting an Amended and Restated Section 125 Cafeteria Plan for the City of Rocklin, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Documents Related to the Section 125 Cafeteria Plan and Repeal Resolution No. 2024-134.
C8. Municipal Tax Services and Program Administration Contract Action:
A. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-005 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Awarding the Property Tax Service Contract to HdL Coren & Cone and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Contract.
B. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-006 of the City Council of the City Rocklin Awarding the Sales and Use Tax, Transient Occupancy Tax, Short-Term Rental, and Business License Tax and Administration Services Contract to HdL Companies and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Contract.
C9. Information Technology Infrastructure Services Contract Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-007 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Services with Network Design Associates, Inc.
FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 3| Page
C10. Transparency Engagement Advisory Services Contract Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-008 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Approving a Contract for Professional Services with Cole Pro Media, Corp for Transparency Engagement Advising, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement and Subsequent Amendments.
C11. Lighting & Landscape Maintenance District No. 2 - Landscape Services Bid Award ActIon: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-009 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Awarding the Contract for 2025 L&L2 Landscape Services on City-Owned Pocket Parks, Streets, and Right-of-Ways to Pride Industries One, Inc. and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement.
Plants, Trees, and Bark Services - Bid Award
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-010 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Awarding the Contract for the Plants, Trees, and Bark Services Project to Pride Industries One, Inc. and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement.
C13. 2024 Micro-Pave Resurfacing Project - Notice of Completion Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-011 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Accepting the Public Work Known as the 2024 Micro-Pave Resurfacing Project, Approving the Notice of Completion Thereof, and Authorizing and Directing the Execution and Recordation of Said Notice on Behalf of the City (American Pavement Systems, Inc.).
C14. Vollmar Natural Lands Consulting, Inc. Contract - Amendment No. 3 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-012 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Approving Amendment No. 3 to the Contract for Services with Vollmar Natural Lands Consulting, Inc. and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 3.
C15. Five Star Boulevard, Destiny Drive, and Mission Hills Phase IV Reconstruction Project - Change Order No. 3 and Notice of Completion
Action:
A. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-013 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin proving Change Order No. 3 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execu hange Order No. 3 with McGuire and Hester, In
B. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-014 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Accepting the Public Work Known as the Five Star Boulevard, Destiny Drive, and Mission Hills Phase IV Reconstruction Project, Approving the Notice of Completion • Thereof, and Authorizing and Directing the Execution and Recordation of Said Notice on Behalf of the City (McGuire and Hester, Inc).
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were none.
FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 4| Page
Motion to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. C1 through C11 and Item Nos. C13 to C15 by Council Member Broadway and seconded by Council Member Halldin.
Passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Bass, Broadway, Janda, Halldin
Mayor Gayaldo
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion to approve Consent Calendar Item No. C12 by Council Member Broadway and seconded by Council Member Halldin. Passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Bass, Broadway, Halldin
Mayor Gayaldo
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: Council Member Janda
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Oath of Office for Incoming Arts Commissioner
City Clerk Avinta Singh administered the Oath of Office to Arts Commissioner Pranil Shankar.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Mayor Gayaldo requested that Item PH2 be heard before Item PH1.
PH1. BARRO Zone Modifications / Zoning Ordinance Amendment, ZOA2024-0003 Action: Conducted a Public Hearing and Considered the Following Action:
Introduced, Waived the Full Reading and Read by Title Only, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Amending Sections of Chapter 17.59 - Business Attraction, Retention, and Revitalization Overlay (BARRO) Zone and Amending the Citywide Zoning Map to Add Approximately Five Acres Into the BARRO Zone (BARRO Zone Modifications / ZOA2024-0003)
Mayor Gayaldo opened the public hearing for Item PH1.
Senior Planner Nathan Anderson presented the item to the City Council.
Council Member Janda asked what the appeal process entailed.
FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 5 | Page
Senior Planner Nathan Anderson responded that if a project is denied by the Community Development Director, then an applicant could pay associated fees and appeal the project to the Planning Commission to review the determination. He noted that this had not yet happened in the BARRO Zone as staff was able to work with applicants through the process.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Benjamin Bjorkman addressed the City Council stating that the BARRO Zone would provide the perfect medium to support businesses remaining open later; however, as a proponent of Rocklin history, he requested that zones be placed elsewhere.
Mayor Gayaldo closed the public hearing for Item PH1.
Motion to approve Public Hearing Item No. PH1 by Council Member Broadway, seconded by Councilmember Janda. Passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Bass, Broadway, Halldin, Janda
Mayor Gayaldo
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
PH2. University Avenue Apartments / General Plan Amendment, GPA2023-0001, General Development Plan Amendment, PDG2023-0004, Rezone, Z2023-0003, Design Review, DR2023-0006, Environmental, ENV2024-0015
Action: Conducted a Public Hearing and Considered the Following Actions:
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-015 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Approving an Addendum to the Northwest Rocklin (Sunset Ranchos) Annexation Environmental Impact Report (University Avenue Apartments / ENV2024- 0015).
B. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-016 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Approving an Amendment to the General Plan of the City of Rocklin to Change the Land Use Designation of Approximately 0.41 Acre of a 12.72 Acre Site from Recreation Conservation (R-C) to Mixed Use (MU) (University Avenue Apartments / GPA2023-0001).
C. Introduced, Waived the Full Reading and Read by Title Only, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Amending the Northwest Rocklin General Development Plan and Rezoning 12.72 Acres from Planned Development Light Industrial and Open Space to Planned Development Residential 22 Units Per Acre Minimum (PD-22+) (University Avenue Apartments / PDG2023-0004, Z2023-0003).
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-017 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Approving a Design Review (University Avenue Apartments / DR2023-0006).
FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 6 | P age
Mayor Gayaldo opened the public hearing for Item PH2.
Senior Planner Nathan Anderson presented the item to the City Council.
Ms. Kris Steward spoke on behalf of USA Properties, sharing that a letter had been submitted expressing an intent to expand the affordability of the project to 100% due to a financing strategy for entitled properties, which will improve USA Properties competitiveness to secure tax-exempt bonds and low-income housing tax credits.
Vice Mayor Bass asked how it was possible for the proposed project to achieve 100% affordability. Mr. Milo Terzich, Vice President of USA Properties responded that with changes to the Tax Credit Allocation Committee's regulations, scoring and tie-breaker rules, have made it seemingly feasible for the concept at the proposed site.
Council Member Broadway was concerned that there was no guarantee for the affordability component of the project, noting the parcel was originally zoned for commercial, and the path located on the westerly part of the project would be sealed and no longer available for public use. Council Member Broadway stated that areas located with closer access to the highway have generally been designed for job and tax generation, and if commercial and light industrial developments are eliminated, this may negatively impact the City. He emphasized that the only way the project pencils out as a benefit for the community is if there is 100% affordability.
Mr. Terzich responded that USA Properties does not purchase land unless it is to be developed, noting the financing path for an affordable housing project was the most viable; and stated the current path included an easement for sewer access and due to there being no controls, it had been used as a trail.
Senior Planner Anderson noted for Council Member Broadway that when the Northwest Rocklin Annexation area was originally reviewed, it was conceptionally determined and zoned as an open space. Per a biological resources assessment, it was determined there were no sensitive resources on the site, resulting in the removal of 0.41 acres from the Recreation Conservation land use designation.
Community Development Director David Mohlenbrok confirmed that as development applications are received, biological resources assessments are conducted to evaluate Recreation Conservation. With the present case, the resources to maintain the land use designation do not exist for portions of the proposed site.
Council Member Janda expressed concerns about sound and visual screening given the proximity of the project to the highway, asked about roadway improvements in the event the proposed project advances forward but the Estia project does not, if any conditions could be included to encourage 100% affordability, and whether changing the affordability type from very low-income to low-income households would improve the financial feasibility of the project.
FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 7|Page
Senior Planner Anderson responded that a sound wall was not required due to setbacks of 160-feet; the project would include double paned windows for buildings most adjacent to the highway; open view fencing was already located near the South Placer Municipal Utility District (SPMUD) trail; and there would be a row of deodar cedar trees for screening. He added that if the University Square and Estia projects do not advance, then University Avenue would widen to two lanes near the development site to permit turning into the project and reduce back to one-lane beyond the project. He stated that the only condition with regards to affordability is that a minimum of 17 units shall be for very low-income households, while there was an option to increase the number.
Mr. Terzich responded that the number was specifically designed to fit the Density Bonus Law and may not be feasible to modify with the proposed entitlement.
Senior Planner Anderson indicated for Mayor Gayaldo that the proposed project was not a RHNA site and that since the trail was a sewer easement, the City would have to work with SPMUD.
City Manager Zimmermann stated that if the City was to maintain the trail as public property, then it would have to take on the maintenance of this, adding that none of the existing SPMUD easements were officially open as City trails, but due to the way access was allowed, residents used these as trails.
Mr. Terzich responded Council Member Halldin's questions that there would not be a wall, adding that USA Properties would install a gate, replace the posting cable fencing with steel tube fencing and the SPMUD easement would be located inside of their fenced property granting access to its residents.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were none.
Council Member Halldin stated that the project will have a net positive impact if built as a fully affordable complex, and will provide a lot of housing opportunities for working families in town.
Vice Mayor Bass expressed that consideration of the project was difficult given the commercial generating aspect of the site and removal of 0.41-acre of the Recreation Conservation; however due to the precarious situation with 3,250 units being required to be designated in Rocklin the goal was to meet this. He emphasized that USA Properties was one of the most successful at delivering affordable housing in the region, highlighted the need for workforce housing and hoped for a solution to continue the trail.
Council Member Broadway expressed concern about taking away job creating and sales tax generating opportunities; however, the project would allow members of the FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 8 | Pa ge
community to be able to afford to live in Rocklin. He requested that staff look into following: preserving continued use of the trail, and what was being done with the Estia project and the commercial development along the frontage. Given the commitment by USA Properties to affordability, he was supportive of the project.
Council Member Janda appreciated the involvement of USA Properties, their track record and community connections, and believed they could deliver. While he would rather see commercial and tax generation, it was within the property owner's rights to develop residential and expressed his support of the project.
Mayor Gayaldo underscored the need to protect commercial property as the City had to generate its own funding and this was accomplished via sales tax. She expressed her support of the project as it would result in workforce housing and stressed the importance of the City being able to control its own zoning. She spoke favorably of the recent development done in Roseville by the applicant, and was comfortable supporting the project.
Mayor Gayaldo closed the public hearing for Item PH2.
Motion to approve Public Hearing Item No. PH2.A by Council Member Broadway, seconded by Vice Mayor Bass. Passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Bass, Broadway, Halldin, Janda
Mayor Gayaldo
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion to approve Public Hearing Item No. PH2.B by Council Member Broadway, seconded by Vice Mayor Bass. Passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Bass, Broadway, Halldin, Janda
Mayor Gayaldo
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion to approve Public Hearing Item No. PH2.C by Council Member Broadway, seconded by Vice Mayor Bass. Passed by the following vote:
FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 9 | Page
Ayes: Councilmembers Bass, Broadway, Halldin, Janda
Mayor Gayaldo
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion to approve Public Hearing Item No. PH2.D by Council Member Broadway, seconded by Vice Mayor Bass. Passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Bass, Broadway, Halldin, Janda
Mayor Gayaldo
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
DISCUSSION ITEMS
D1. Rocklin Municipal Code Updates Related to Procurement, Purchases, and Contracts Action: Conducted a Discussion and Considered the Following Action:
Introduced, Waived the Full Reading and Read by Title Only, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Repealing and Re-Enacting Chapter 3.04 of the Rocklin Municipal Code Regarding Procurement, Purchases, and Contracts.
B. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-018 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Electing to Become Subject to the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act.
Deputy Director of Administrative Services Daniel Choe presented the item to the City Council.
Mayor Gayaldo asked if the proposed would impact piggyback contracts for items such as vehicle purchases for fleet. Deputy Director Choe responded that the current provision in the ordinance would retain this option so that the City could either piggyback or utilize the cooperative purchase arrangement available through the competitive bidding process that has already been completed.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were none.
City Attorney McOmber appreciated the collaboration with City staff over the last several months in updating the Procurement Code.
FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 10 | P age
Motion to approve Discussion Item No. D1.A by Council Member Broadway, seconded by Council Member Janda. Passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Bass, Broadway, Halldin, Janda
Mayor Gayaldo
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion to approve Discussion Item No. D1.B by Council Member Broadway, seconded by Council Member Janda. Passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Bass, Broadway, Halldin, Janda
Mayor Gayaldo
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
The City Council took a recess at 7:40 p.m.
The City Council returned from its recess at 7:50 p.m.
D2. Clover Valley Land Acquisition Support
Action: Discussed the Consideration of a Donation by the City of Rocklin to the Placer Land Trust to Support Their Purchase of Clover Valley, and Provide Direction to Staff.
Mayor Gayaldo indicated that a community meeting was held on December 4, 2024, and several questions had since emerged, she had requested the addition of the proposed item so that the City Council could have an open discussion to receive an update and consider the possibility of the City providing financial support. She provided some background on the project noting how the Clover Valley property had been annexed into the City of Rocklin as residential property; shared details of the original application and amendments to the project along the way; mentioned that an EIR had been prepared and a Development Agreement approved; a legal challenge was filed regarding the EIR prepared for the project which concluded with the appellate court reaffirming that the EIR was legally compliant. The development agreement would expire December 30, 2025 and upon expiration, the land use and zoning for Clover Valley will remain in place.
Mayor Gayaldo stated that the City Council had been made aware of efforts to purchase the property for conservation of the slopes and valley floor and requested additional information; hoped to determine through the discussion if there is support to use Oak Tree Mitigation funds and potential end-of-year budget fund balance of $2 million for conservation efforts, if public access rights can be secured as a benefit to FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 11 | Page
the citizens of Rocklin; if the slopes and valley floor are protected, then what implications does this have with satisfying State requirements if the development agreement expires; and underscored that Clover Valley was a beautiful and unique area, and if there was an opportunity to protect the slopes and the valley floor, she would endorse this.
Council Member Halldin was glad for the discussion being had; was thankful for the contributions made thus far noting the goal had been halfway met; stated it was time for the City to consider if it wants to play a part in the shortfall; stressed that public access to Rocklin residents should be the City Council's goal if funds are allocated; shared the City Council had authorized $6 million to purchase the Sunset Whitney Recreation Area (SWRA) which had been a great community asset; stated there may be educational benefits for the K-12 grade levels and Sierra College students through the use of Clover Valley; and mentioned traffic congestion in the Whitney, Midas, Argonaut which would grow if more homes are added to the area.
Vice Mayor Bass thanked attendees, including those who attended the previous community meeting, the number of individuals who sent emails for the preservation of Clover Valley demonstrating the amount of care that people have for the land. He shared that the City Council also wants to preserve the land but there was a juxtaposition with housing and meeting the State's requirements; he saw the present situation with Clover Valley as being similar to the SWRA purchase; supported the preservation of Clover Valley and urged the exploring of another location in the City for the 200 homes to be constructed.
Council Member Broadway stated that while he was interested in preserving open space and Clover Valley, he encouraged all to be cognizant of the financial impacts; reminded the fire risk posed by open space and who would be responsible for its maintenance; was concerned that if State requirements are not met, all development could be halted in the City; noted that the Strategic Plan document outlined the key priorities to be achieved and areas to allocate funds, asking if funds are committed to Clover Valley, which priorities will be given up; and stated that with SWRA, the space was used on a regular basis by residents for recreational activities.
Council Member Janda appreciated the views of members of the public, and shared that he had fundamental issues with allocating General Fund dollars for uses outside of the City's core services.
Mayor Gayaldo shared that Oak Tree Mitigation funds were previously used to purchase 184 acres for the SWRA and the proposed was different as it would have limited use. She recommended a $2 million contribution upon reviewing end-of-year budget savings and indicated that the use of these funds would be for a one-time use.
She emphasized that by Rocklin contributing, this may encourage contributions from other groups.
FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 12 | Page
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Jeff Darlington, Executive Director with Placer Land Trust, stated that his company was a private non-profit that worked with willing landowners and conservation partners to permanently protect and care for natural and agricultural lands in the County; with the support of Placer Land Trust, Jessup University was attempting to finalize a purchase of 402 acres in the heart of Clover Valley. Their goal and requirement of funding is for Jessup to take title of the property and concurrently a perpetual conservation easement will be recorded on the title. The conservation easement will allow limited public access for recreation, education and research. The County of Placer had invested $1 million, the City of Lincoln had invested $1 million, local individuals, families and private foundations had contributed over $4 million, and urged the City to consider a $4 million donation.
Dr. John Jackson, President of Jessup University, stated that the University entered as an intermediary to work with the landowner; the landowner gave an appraised value of a $6 million contribution allowing the University to purchase it for $10 million; $2.25 million in contributions had been received from County of Placer, City of Lincoln and Emigrant Trails foundation; with interest accrued, there remained a $4.3 million gap.
He urged the City of Rocklin to step in to preserve the property as this was a rare and unique community asset.
The following speakers addressed the City Council urging the City of Rocklin to donate to the Placer Land Trust in order to conserve a portion of Clover Valley.
Ms. Marilyn Jasper
Ms. Elena Flacks
Mr. Doug Brewer
Ms. Jennifer Collins
Mr. Darwin Dailey
Mr. Sean Booth
Mr. Thomas Sevey
Mr. Nathan Cullen
Mr. Chris Reynolds
Mr. Zachary Emerson
Ms. Sadie Hampshire
Mr. Justin Prout
Mr. Michael Stark
Mr. Sean O'Brien
Mr. Andrew Manning
Mr. James Merkel
Mr. Jerry Mitchell
Mr. Neil Bullock
Mr. Marcus Hampshire
Ms. Jade Wolansky
Mr. Jessie Dickson
FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 13 | P a ge
Council Member Janda underscored that the City Council was entrusted by residents to be a good steward of public funds. He stated that a number of years had passed since the property owner first applied to develop the site and eleven months remained until the development agreement would expire. He stated that the City's Strategic Plan, Operating Budget, and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) were documents generated through public processes, and these serve as the roadmap to set priorities for the City. While he was agreeable to donating Oak Tree Mitigation funds towards the conservation effort, he did not support contributing use of General Fund dollars; he added that budget surplus funds could be dedicated towards unfunded CIP projects which were on the roadmap. He was unable to justify taking funds away from essential City services and contributing this towards something which was not a core function of the City.
Dr. Jackson shared that a Notice of Default had been filed which meant there were approximately 90 days to cure the default.
Council Member Broadway stated that surplus funds are typically used to pay off debt or fund future obligations; stressed the land in question was private property and the owner had certain rights; reiterated that he was supportive of taking steps to preserve open space, which is why he fought hard to preserve the SWRA which was being focused on for development. Council Member Broadway stated that given the limited budget in Rocklin, surplus funds should be focused on filling funding gaps; cautioned that when funds are spent on a conservation donation, there is a risk of diverting from critical needs in the community; noted that private organizations and non-profits are best positioned to focus on land conservation and not a municipality; the City Council was accountable for use of taxpayer dollars that provide clear and measurable benefits to the public; noted the City could continue promoting conservation through its policies, partnerships and incentives. While he supported and encouraged land conservation, he struggled with committing additional funds beyond the Oak Tree Mitigation funds.
Vice Mayor Bass agreed that while there were many competing interests, he compared these to what future generations would be left with; indicated there was a finite amount of time to consider making a donation and this action could encourage others to raise funds; and spoke about preservation of the land being done by an entity that would both conserve and maintain it.
Council Member Halldin credited the Placer Land Trust for its tireless efforts in soliciting funds from donors; agreed that it was not in the City's Strategic Plan to donate funds to preserve Clover Valley, but there was a unique opportunity presented to the City to be a participant in the effort. Council Member Halldin stated he felt that if the City committed to a significant contribution, it may open up other funding sources; and this could be a benefit developed over time as trails and access go in. He requested that staff look into last year's surplus of $2 million and also consider committing the Oak Tree Mitigation funds.
FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 14 | Page
Mayor Gayaldo stated that she had been trying to secure donors; shared stories of her personal connection to Clover Valley, noting it was both unique and beautiful; spoke of Rocklin's commitment to parks and open spaces, underscored that SWRA was recreation zoned property that took the City five years to pay for the purchase, and that opportunity did not exist with Clover Valley. Mayor Gayaldo stated she felt the contribution amount was reasonable and that Rocklin would benefit more than other neighboring cities.
City Manager Zimmermann addressed the following questions that had come up from the audience: the City was unable to provide appraisal information for Clover Valley if the property changed use and encouraged connecting with the seller/purchaser; noted the City would explore being a donor and would not create a project for this, noting Jessup University's website had significant information including acquisition and donation information with additional information available through the Placer Land Trust's website; the City's fiscal impact analysis showed it cost the City more to provide services to residential properties than to commercial or industrial; noted that Clover Valley's private ownership resulted in property tax generation and if the property is owned by a non-profit there would be a funding loss; gas tax funds were being used to fund the pedestrian crossing at Blue Oaks; and shared that the General Fund had the smallest funding sources.
City Manager Zimmermann addressed the following questions that had come up from the City Council: there has been no specific request to the City for allocation of a specific dollar amount; the Oak Tree Mitigation fund had a balance of $317,000 and there was no regular stream of revenue coming into this fund; the cost for basic fire mitigation in Clover Valley was $30,000 per year, and this obligation would remain with the property owner for ongoing maintenance; one-time or value adds are planned for using year-end fund balance; and stated the City needed to exercise caution in how it makes a donation to avoid triggering prevailing wage.
Council Member Halldin requested that staff look into a conditioned conservation easement on the property. City Manager Zimmermann deferred this to the Placer Land Trust. Mr. Darlington stated that a Use of Funds Agreement and a template Conservation Agreement could be shared with staff. Mayor Gayaldo agreed this would be helpful.
By consensus, the City Council requested that staff prepare information that would provide the framework for a potential donation from the City to or for the Placer Land Trust, in support of Placer Land Trust's acquisition of the Clover Valley slopes and valley floors.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There were none.
FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 15 | Page
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gayaldo adjourned the meeting at 10:04 p.m.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of January 14, 2025 as
approved by the Rocklin City Council.
Avinta Singh, City Clerk
FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Rocklin City Council 16 | P age