Citrus Heights mayor seeks approval for new Planning Commissioner

By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights City Council will be asked on Wednesday to ratify longtime local resident Alan Utzig as an appointee to the Planning Commission to fill a vacancy left by Commissioner Natalee Price.

Utzig was chosen by Citrus Heights Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa to replace Price, who notified the city on Jan. 28 that she would resign from the Planning Commission, effective March 1. Price was originally appointed to the Planning Commission by Karpinski-Costa and served as Chair. Utzig’s term would last until Dec. 31, 2026.

Utzig has lived in Citrus Heights for 50 years and currently serves on the Customer Advisory Committee for the Citrus Heights Water District, according to his application. He has also been a docent for the California State Railroad Museum for 34 years, with 12,000 hours of service. Additionally, he has volunteered with the Citrus Heights Fire Department, Sunrise Little League, the Placerville and Sacramento Valley Railroad, and has participated in the PTA for two different schools. Utzig also works as a special education bus driver for the San Juan Unified School District.

Utzig has also submitted letters to The Sentinel in the past, opposing proposed sales tax increases in 2020 and criticizing past re-allocation of gas taxes.

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