By Sara Beth Williams–
Citrus Heights City Council members on Wednesday will welcome a new council member, select a new mayor and vice mayor, and hold public hearings for two proposed new businesses, in addition to other agenda items.
New Seats. The city will swear in newly elected and reelected council members, Tim Schaefer and Kelsey Nelson, during the Dec. 11 City Council meeting. Nelson, who previously served on the Planning Commission for a short time, won the District 1 seat with 63% of the vote. Schaefer ran unopposed for his second term representing District 3 and won 100% of the vote. As is customary prior to the start of the new year, the City Council will also nominate and select by a majority vote a new mayor and vice mayor for the upcoming year.
Public Hearings. The City Council plans to hold a public hearing for a proposed Starbucks with drive-thru services to be built at the Stock Ranch Plaza. The council is also asked to approve an amendment to the Stock Ranch Guide for Development to allow for extended operating hours for fast-casual and drive-thru restaurants, along with approving the Design Review Permit and Use Permit.
The Council will also hold a public hearing and consider approval of a Letter of Public Convenience and Necessity for Bourbons and More, a new liquor store to be located at 8067 Greenback Ln. The store will offer an assortment of high-quality spirits and is requesting an alcohol license, Type 21, off-sale beer/wine/spirits, and Type 86, instructional tasting of beer/wine/spirits, according to the city.
Tree City USA. The City Council will be asked to authorize city staff to submit an application to the National Arbor Day Foundation for consideration of the City of Citrus Heights to be designated as a Tree City USA community for the seventh consecutive year. Selection as a Tree City USA community is partly based on annual expenditure for tree-related programs and services within a community, such as tree care and management, planting, and labor costs. Citrus Heights was first recognized as a Tree City USA in 2018, and annual recertification is required.
Award. Citrus Heights was among 10 cities awarded the Helen Putman Award for Excellence by the League of California Cities and will be receiving the presentation of the award on Dec. 11. The League of California Cities said on its website that the city was awarded for its Beautification Program, which removed 79 tons of debris in its first year.
Floods. The city is requesting approval to amend the ordinance chapter relating to floods and flood management. Revision to the code is necessary in order to apply for discounted Flood Insurance rates through FEMA. In February, the city submitted a letter of interest to join FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) in hopes of qualifying for discounted flood insurance rates for all property owners in the city. In September, the city received a letter from the Insurance Services Office stating that the current City Ordinance Chapter 42: “Floods” would limit the available discount. A meeting was held between FEMA, the California Department of Water Resources, and city staff where revised code changes were reviewed.
Those wishing to make a public comment during the meeting can do so by attending the council meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at City Hall, at 6 p.m., or by submitting a written comment beforehand using the city’s website. The deadline to submit comments online is 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting. City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.
Read the full agenda packet here.
