Civic Minute: What’s going on in Citrus Heights City Hall? (Feb. 12)

By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights City Council on Wednesday will be asked to discuss and approve an Economic Development Work Plan, as well as consider options for Mediation Services to help resolve neighbor-to-neighbor disputes.

The Feb. 12 City Council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Economic Development Work Plan: The Work Plan was developed in response to a 2024 City Council strategic planning meeting goal of “Diversify for a Vibrant Economy” and the specific strategic objective, with five key focus areas relating to economic development.  The work plan serves as an economic policy framework that provides a “structural approach” to business attraction, commercial revitalization, and creating a business-friendly environment in the city, according to a staff report. The City Council will be asked to adopt the work plan on Wednesday, along with related incentive program guidelines.

Business Attraction Program. As part of the Economic Development Work Plan, Business Attraction Incentive Program Guidelines and Small Business Design Support Program are “two key incentive programs” designed to attract and support targeted businesses. According to the staff report, the Business Attraction Incentive Program provides financial incentives to encourage specific businesses, such as sit-down dining and entertainment venues, to locate to Citrus Heights. Incentive packages under $5,000 can be approved by the City Manager, while packages over $5,000 require council approval, according to the guidelines.

The Small Business Design Support Program offers technical assistance to small businesses navigating design, zoning, and permitting requirements with the goal of making it easier for entrepreneurs to establish themselves in Citrus Heights. While some initiatives may require additional funding, requests will be incorporated into the city’s two-year budget planning cycle and presented to the City Council for consideration on an as-needed basis.

Mediation services options: The City Council will hear and discuss two different options regarding implementing mediation services for neighbor-to-neighbor disputes throughout the community. The topic has been brought to the City Council in response to a 2024 strategic planning meeting objective to develop a mediation services options for the community at large so as to reduce undue strain on city staff. According to the staff report, neighbor-to-neighbor or resident-to-resident disputes can often involve nearly every city department and drain resources.

The first option includes utilizing Citrus Heights Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) Officers who already play a key role in resolving conflicts within the community by applying problem-solving strategies according to city staff. Additional training would be provided for at least one POP officer and would cost up to $1,450.

The second option includes involving an outside third party to mediate disputes, such as the Sacramento Mediation Center. According to the staff report, each mediation session would last for up to 3 hours, and each party’s fee for the first two mediation sessions is due in advance and is based on the individual’s income. During the sessions, mediators outline ground rules, listen to each party’s complaint, assist in suggesting solutions, identify points of compromise and assist in writing down an agreement on paper. Mediators do not typically follow up with parties after a dispute is resolved.

Those wishing to make a public comment during the meeting can do so by attending the council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12 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.