Eminent domain action. Public hearings. New security cameras. Those are some of the topics on the agenda for tonight’s council meeting in Citrus Heights, which includes a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. with a closed-session discussion and a study session, followed by a regular meeting at 7 p.m.
Here’s a brief summary of what’s included in the 240-page agenda packet for the council’s June 14, 2018, meeting, followed by vote highlights from the most recent council meeting:
SPECIAL MEETING (5:30 p.m.)
- Closed Session. City leaders will hold a closed session meeting with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation and/or initiation of litigation, regarding two potential cases. Additional information was not disclosed, as allowed by law.
- Study Session. At 6 p.m. the council will hold a study session with city staff regarding “Storm Water Quality Design Manual Review.”
REGULAR MEETING (7 p.m.)
Agenda Items of Note:
- Streambed/Drainage Maintenance. The council will consider approving the adoption of an environmental “Mitigated Negative Declaration” in order to conduct routine maintenance of stream channels and drainage facilities. According to a city staff report, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife requires the city to obtain a “Streambed Alteration Agreement” in order to perform routine maintenance. The city’s prior agreement had expired, requiring a new environmental study and declaration to be adopted. An extensive study was conducted by Dokken Engineering and a 173-page report is included in the council’s agenda packet.
- Security Cameras. The council will consider approving a police recommendation to authorize spending $15,918 to install three security cameras at Rusch Park, which will provide live-streaming video to the Citrus Heights Police Department in an effort to deter criminal activity and enhance police monitoring and response. An additional $45,000 is also requested for an Electric Greenway grant match, to be used for a new 2.9-mile multi-use trail that will travel between Sunrise Boulevard and Wachtel Way. Both expenses would come from the city’s Park Facilities Impact Fee fund.
- Eminent Domain/Public Hearings. The council will consider authorizing eminent domain proceedings to acquire portions of two properties on Auburn Boulevard which the city says are necessary to acquire for roadway widening and improvements associated with Phase II of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets project. According to a staff report, the city began proceeding with offers and negotiations last year for partial acquisition of 54 properties along Auburn Boulevard in the northern portion of the city, with “appraisals set at fair market value.” Two properties that were unable to be acquired through voluntary agreements include portions of land where Crepes & Burgers is located, as well as the Tower Mart gas station. Affected property owners will be able to speak at a limited public hearing held prior to the council’s votie on whether to proceed with eminent domain.
- Technology Report. At the conclusion of the meeting, the city’s Community & Economic Development and Administrative Services departments will provide a review of e-commerce technology for Citrus Heights.
The city council’s special meeting will convene at 5:30 p.m. on June 14, 2018, at 6360 Fountain Square Drive. The regular meeting will follow at 7 p.m. The full 240-page agenda packet can be viewed by clicking here.
The council meeting will also include a presentation regarding the upcoming Red, White & Blue Parade on June 23, and the council will also vote to designate voting delegates and alternates for an upcoming League of California Cities annual conference.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MAY 24th COUNCIL MEETING:
Present: Mayor Steve Miller, Vice Mayor Jeannie Bruins, Bret Daniels, Albert Fox, Jeff Slowey
Regular meeting length: 1 hour.
QUOTABLE: “We have seen a restaurant explosion… and I think it’s just a reflection of our city. We have good economic vitality.” – Councilman Bret Daniels, commenting on the recent opening of Perko’s Cafe on Sunrise Boulevard.
- 2018-19 Budget (Approved 5-0). Council members unanimously approved a 2018-19 budget for the city. The budget shows the city’s general fund with total revenues of $36.6 million — with additional funding sources bringing total revenues to $59.5 million. The top expenditure is for police, listed at $21.3 million, or nearly two-thirds of the general fund budget. Management and support are listed at $5.6 million in expenses from the general fund, with additional funding bringing that total to a little over $7 million. As part of the budget approval, the council also approved a $51,400 contract with Sacramento Self-Help Housing for Homeless Navigator services. To see the 15-page financial summaries portion of the budget, click here. To see the 128-page approved budget click here.
