A 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 28, 2025
Closed Session 5:30 p.m.
General Session 6:00 p.m.
MEETING MINUTES
-FINAL-
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gayaldo called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers David Bass, Ken Broadway, Bill Halldin, Greg Janda Mayor Jill Gayaldo
Absent: None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
There were none.
Members of the City Council left the Council Chambers and convened Closed Session at 5:30 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
CS1. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2), Conference with Legal Counsel, Anticipated Litigation, Significant Exposure to Litigation One Potential Case. Facts and Circumstances: Written Statements, Dated On or About December 16, 2024 and January 16, 2025, Made By or On Behalf of Clover Valley Foundation Indicating an Intent to File Legal Action Against the City Concerning CEQA Environmental Review for Development of Clover Valley Area (Westridge Skyview Development Project).
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CS2. Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6, Conference with Labor Negotiators, Agency Representatives: City Manager Aly Zimmermann and Director of Administrative Services Tameka Usher; Employee Organizations: Rocklin Firefighter's Union Local 3847, Rocklin Police Officers' Association, and Rocklin Public Safety Managers.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, Public Employee Performance Evaluation: City Attorney.
Members of the City Council returned to the Council Chambers at 6:09 p.m.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
There was no reportable action.
CALL GENERAL SESSION TO ORDER
General Session was called to order at 6:09 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
Absent: None
AGENDA REVIEW
None.
CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL
There were none.
REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGER
Council Member Halldin reported attendance at the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce's Installation Dinner and congratulated its new President Ann Bouchard.
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Council Member Broadway reported attendance at the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency (PCTPA) meeting noting that since Measure B did not pass, the PCTPA was exploring solutions to fund infrastructure improvements.
Mayor Gayaldo reported attendance at the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) meeting noting that she will be serving as Vice Chair this year; reported attendance at the City Selection Committee meeting; and shared a letter received from the Rocklin Historical Society on the use of the Old St. Mary's Chapel.
City Manager Zimmermann shared that new information was available on the City's website about Accessory Dwelling Units; noted that the City was accepting applications for unscheduled vacancies on the Board of Appeals and Investment Advisory Committee; added that the nomination period for the Ruhkala Community Service Awards was open through February 9, 2025; and invited the community to attend the Joint City Council and Planning Commission Zoning Ordinance Update Workshop on February 4, 2025.
CONSENT CALENDAR
C1. Minutes of the January 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the City Council Action: Approved the Minutes of the January, 2025 Regular Meeting of the City Council.
C2. Appointments to Various Subcommittees, Committees, and Work Groups Action: Adopted Resolution 2025-019 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Establishing Councilmember Appointments to Various Subcommittees, Committees, and Work Groups.
C3. Amendments to the Rocklin Municipal Code BARRO Zone and Citywide Zoning Map (Second Reading of Ordinance)
Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 1184 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).
C4. Amendments to the Northwest Rocklin General Development Plan and Rezoning (Second Reading of Ordinance)
Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 1185 of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Amending the Northwest Rocklin General 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+).
C5. Rocklin Municipal Code Related to Procurement, Purchases, and Contracts (Second Reading of Ordinance)
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Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 1186 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.
C6. Community Development Department Quarterly Report
Action: Received the Quarterly Building Report for the Quarter which ended December 31, 2024.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were none.
Motion to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. C1 through C6 by Council Member Broadway and seconded by Council Member Halldin. Passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Bass, Broadway, Janda, Halldin
Mayor Gayaldo
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain: None
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Recognition of 2024 and 2025 Mayors
Council Member Broadway presented jackets to Council Member Janda recognizing him for his service as Rocklin Mayor 2024-25, and to Mayor Gayaldo for serving as Mayor for the current year.
DISCUSSION ITEM
D1. Donation Towards Placer Land Trust's Acquisition of Clover Valley - Agreement Deal Points
Action: Discussed and Determined Various Deal Points Associated with a Potential Donation by the City of Rocklin to the Placer Land Trust to Support Their Purchase of Approximately 402 acres in Clover Valley (Slopes and Valley), and Determine Whether to Direct Staff to Prepare a Use of Funds or Similar City Manager Zimmermann presented the item to the City Council noting the item was a follow up to the discussion item from the January 14, 2025 City Council meeting at which the City Council requested staff to prepare information providing a framework for a potential donation of funds towards efforts to acquire the Clover Valley slopes and valley floor and reviewed the deal points for consideration in a future Use of Funds Agreement.
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Council Member Broadway asked staff if the list of projects included in the Strategic Plan were unfunded; expressed concern about the 2027 State mandate requiring electrification of the City's fleet; inquired if there would be future associated costs to the City with the development of Clover Valley; asked if per the City's five-year budget projection, whether expenses would exceed expected revenue; whether all reserve funds were fully funded; and if there were any reservations about public access being granted
City Manager Zimmermann responded indicating that Strategic Plan goals were primarily achieved using year-end fund balance for projects that were one-time in nature, noting the only project that was unfunded was implementation of the Drainage Infrastructure Master Plan; she confirmed that the fleet reserve was underfunded, adding that a comprehensive asset replacement and zero-emissions vehicle study would be conducted to determine future replacement costs; stated that if Clover Valley was developed, property tax revenue would increase and additionally noted that per the development agreement, the property owner would have to annex the open space into a Community Facilities District; stated that properties zoned housing cost more than those zoned for commercial development; noted that per the adopted budget, the five-year forecast indicated a deficit if there were no changes in revenue; stated that of the eight reserve funds, there was a shortfall in three reserve funds including pension liability, building and fleet replacement; and mentioned that the Placer Land Trust had identified a conservation easement allowing public access and recreation in the agreements with Placer County and City of Lincoln.
Mayor Gayaldo shared grants could be sought through the Air Pollution Control District to assist with fleet replacement in the future. City Manager Zimmermann added that the City would explore opportunities for funding sources and partnerships for fleet replacement and installation of infrastructure
City Manager Zimmermann confirmed for Vice Mayor Bass that, per the City Council- adopted Key Management Practices, 50% of year-end fund balance would be added to underfunded reserves.
Council Member Janda inquired about the funding status for the Rocklin Road Highway Interchange project and shortfalls for other projects; requested staff elaborate on the sales tax revenue report; and whether it had been defined who the owner of the property will be if Clover Valley is conserved.
City Manager Zimmermann responded that there were no construction funds for Rocklin Road Interchange project; that there are funding shortfalls for Phase I of the SWRA project including for the playground and major sewer repairs; she noted that the construction phase for the fourth fire station would be funded by a bond or loan program; she shared that per the Calendar Year 2024 third quarter analysis, sales tax revenues were projected to decrease during the next couple of years; mentioned that the fund balance resulted from accrued savings for vacant positions that had been FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2025 Rocklin City Council 5 | Page
budgeted for; and stated that it was unknown if Jessup intended to be the property owner in perpetuity, underscoring that the conservation easement should be a requirement if there were changes with who the future property owner was.
Vice Mayor Bass requested that in order to better understand the timeline, the City Council should be provided with the purchase and sale agreement and foreclosure documents for review.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Jeff Darlington, Executive Director with Placer Land Trust, stated that his agency is requesting up to $4 million from the City of Rocklin to support the acquisition and permanent protection of 402 acres in the heart of Clover Valley, which was a joint venture between Jessup University and Placer Land Trust; noted that Jessup had a purchased the property and had a note to repay by the end of March; stated that the intent and reason for involvement of the land trust was to have a perpetual land conservation easement permanently prohibiting commercial and residential development; $11.64 million of the $16 million property value had been raised, with a funding gap of $4.36 million; stated that the major funders would have a seat at the table for the future of the property; clarified that the funding request is for the acquisition of the property and a conservation easement, and not to create a recreation project; conditions of the existing funding require that the public be able to access the property but noted this would not be immediate or unlimited, adding that recreation had to be designed and managed carefully using legal access; and donations were still being solicited from the community as well as from major funding entities.
Council Member Halldin asked about the City's role in the management plan.
Mr. Darlington indicated that the management of the property needs to be driven by the owner which was currently Jessup, adding that all major funders should have cooperative input on this including the City of Rocklin as it was located here; underscored that while the management plan could change due to conditions over time, however the conservation easement would remain.
Council Member Janda requested that the Placer Land Trust review the funding received to date. Mr. Darlington summarized who the major funders were; stated that while maintenance and improvements would be the responsibility of the landowner, the land trust would also seek grants funds for safe and amenable recreation; shared the land trust had permanently protected 21,000 acres and this land was typically purchased through grant funding.
Dr. John Jackson, Jessup University President, stated that he would share the purchase and sale agreement with the City; indicated that Jessup's involvement was to serve as an intermediary in conserving the 402 acres and it was not in their strategic priority to continue to own the property long-term; a management plan would be FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2025 Rocklin City Council 6 | Page
needed for the development of the property; and underscored that Jessup supported having a healthy housing mix in the City.
Vice Mayor Bass stated that with the note being due soon and litigation looming, could foreclosure proceedings be stalled to iron out matters such as the management plan.
Dr. John Jackson stated that the ownership group had signed a formal notice of foreclosure and legal action could not be taken until 90 days from that point; if the City of Rocklin made a commitment, this would demonstrate that responsible government entities were involved with the process; shared that when Jessup started its conservation efforts in 2022, they were hopeful to raise a majority of funds from state and federal agencies within a year and this did not happen; the ownership group would move forward aggressively to fulfill its legal obligations; and indicated that Jessup had the ability to continue in the ownership role and help facilitate the management plan.
Mayor Gayaldo asked while Jessup was the landowner, if they were committed to public access. Dr. Jackson confirmed that it was committed and that they would work with other interested parties in ensuring this.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following speakers addressed the City Council speaking about the history and significance of Clover Valley, the traffic impacts if developed, concerns about weather conditions and fire hazards of the area, and urged the City of Rocklin to make a donation supporting conservation efforts.
Mr. Drew Schultz
Sam Flacks
Ms. Ashley Freeman
Mr. Geoff Howard
Ms. Sadie Hampshire
Mr. Ken Thompson
Council Member Halldin stated there was a unique opportunity presented to the City to make a contribution for the preservation of the land, to receive public access and have a new amenity for the community; the partnership included multiple entities including public and private; agreed that the deal terms were fair; the City would have a role in approving, renewing, addressing any impacts through a management plan; and looked forward to moving forward with a contract.
Vice Mayor Bass expressed that in reviewing the resolutions passed by Placer County and City of Lincoln, he felt confident that the funds would be used to conserve the property in perpetuity with public access and a leave no trace type of recreation; shared that he and Council Member Halldin were working to canvass and get support to achieve the funding goal; indicated that Assemblymember Joe Patterson was aware and could provide assistance for RHNA requirements; while he supported making the FINAL Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2025 Rocklin City Council 7|P | Page
contribution, he agreed with the perspective raised by his fellow Councilmembers about use of public funds, looming unfunded mandates, and the City being fiscally conservative; state that while there were some residents who favored spending year- end fund balance to benefit other areas of the community, he felt that at present, supporting a donation was the right decision.
Council Member Broadway expressed that there were differences in between SWRA and Clover Valley, as the entire community had an opportunity to utilize the former; was concerned about the different types of access being discussed including direct, regular or limited access, and parking availability; based on information received from Jessup University and the Placer Land Trust, there was lack of clarity on ownership and the responsibility of costs related to mitigating fire risks, and what may happen if Jessup was no longer willing to take on maintenance costs; supported preserving open space by utilizing Oak Tree Mitigation Funds but could not support dedicating surplus funds for this purpose as it should be used for essential services such as public safety, infrastructure and economic stability; underscored that it was prudent to retain surplus funds and use this in the event of shortfalls rather than commit it for unplanned expenditures; favored exploring grants, partnerships, or private funding for open space preservation; found it troublesome that there was no direct commitment to public access; and was alarmed by the ownership issue.
Council Member Janda indicated while he supported preserving Clover Valley, expressed that the City was not in a position to put scarce funds towards this; did not think that the City should be put in a desperate position; indicated that nothing had happened in the last fifteen years with the entitlement of the property and only eleven months remained until this expired; expressed that if the City Council took no action, the property would still remain undeveloped and available for purchase; expressed that there was no interest by other entities to own the property as it came with responsibilities and there were costs to maintain, improve and allow access; felt that there was still time to finalize items such as ownership, maintenance, and minor improvements to allow access in a safe manner; and emphasized that with the use of year-end fund balance, typically all ideas and options are evaluated by the City Council and an informed decision is made on how to use the funds.
Mayor Gayaldo spoke about the purchase of the SWRA which was paid over a period of five years by the City; underscored the City would be adding $4 million to its General Fund reserve using year-end fund balance; underscored the unique opportunity presented to assist with the preservation of the slopes and valley floor; that there may be an opportunity to have a learning center; the open space would peaceful rather than include groomed trails; underscored the City's investments in public safety; appreciated Placer County and City of Lincoln for making contributions and thanked County Supervisor DeMattei for being present and his involvement; stated that with the City of Rocklin considering a donation, this would have a positive impact with other donors now paying attention; and supported the City making a $2 million donation.
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Motion to pause and direct staff to review the purchase agreement; work with stakeholders to determine ownership and maintenance plans; and to bring back to the City Council comprehensive needs of the entire City to have a discussion on the use of year-end fund balance by Council Member Janda and seconded by Council Member Broadway. Failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Broadway, Council Member Janda
Noes: Mayor Gayaldo, Vice Mayor Bass, Council Member Halldin
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion to direct staff to prepare a contract consistent with the proposed deal points presented in the staff report for a meeting to be held on February 25, 2025; including the point on rezoning to accommodate make up units be changed to Jessup University; and with a donation amount of $2 million and seconded by Vice Mayor Bass.
Ayes: Mayor Gayaldo, Vice Mayor Bass, Council Member Halldin Noes: Council Member Broadway, Council Member Janda
Absent: None
Abstain: None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There were none.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gayaldo adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m. in honor of Gene Johnson's birthday.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of January 28, 2025 as
approved by the Roeklin City Council.
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