The Folsom City Council convened on Tuesday evening with its newest members getting to work and swiftly approved a number items on the Consent Calendar, a package of routine administrative and contractual matters.
With minimal discussion, the council cleared several key items Tuesday that included additional fund approved for the current perimeter fence project at the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary, deferment of an affordable housing fee for the Vintage at Folsom Project and more. Here’s a recap of the approved items:
Zoo Sanctuary Perimeter Fence Project The Folsom Zoo Sanctuary will see improvements following the Council’s decision to approve an additional $83,313 in expenditures for its perimeter fence project. The enhancements address USDA compliance requirements and improve security for both animals and visitors. Specific updates include tree removal and gate adjustments costing $6,624, expanded metal mesh to prevent animal escapes for $38,033, and height adjustments to the fence totaling $38,655. The project’s overall cost now stands at $732,633, with the additional funds reallocated from savings in other Parks and Recreation initiatives.
Affordable Housing Fee Deferral Agreement To address the city’s affordable housing needs, the Council approved a $2.1 million impact fee deferral for the Vintage at Folsom project. This development will provide 136 units of affordable housing for low- and very-low-income seniors. Located on a 4.86-acre site at 103 East Natoma Street, the project’s deferred fees must be repaid within 15 months of permit issuance or upon securing permanent financing. The development is expected to play a key role in addressing the city’s housing shortage while also meeting state housing mandates.
Annual Reports for Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) One of the key items on the agenda was the review and filing of annual reports for 18 Community Facilities Districts (CFDs), as required by SB-165. These districts fund services such as landscaping, street lighting, and infrastructure improvements through special taxes paid by property owners within their boundaries. Updates included positive cash flow in CFD No. 23, which collected $27,124 in special taxes with expenditures amounting to just $25. This transparent reporting complies with the Local Agency Special Tax Bond and Accountability Act, ensuring that funds are used efficiently and effectively.
Fire Department’s Medi-Cal Reimbursement Program The Council also approved participation in a Medi-Cal Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT) Program for the Folsom Fire Department. This initiative allows the city to recover costs for emergency paramedic services provided to Medi-Cal beneficiaries. With a budget allocation of up to $410,800, the program is expected to generate approximately $650,000 in reimbursements annually. These funds will support the department’s ambulance operations, medical supplies, and overtime costs, strengthening its financial sustainability while maintaining emergency response services for the community.
Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission (SMCTC) Funding The Council accepted $209,479 in Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) funds from the Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission. The funds will be used to upgrade the audio/visual equipment in the Council Chambers, improving the quality of televised and livestreamed government meetings. The upgrades include enhanced microphones, cameras, and display systems, ensuring accessibility for residents participating remotely. Importantly, this project comes at no additional cost to the city, as the funds are derived from fees paid by cable subscribers.
Hydrated Lime Supply for Water Treatment The city’s water treatment operations received attention with an amendment approved for the hydrated lime supply contract with Lhoist North America. The extension increased the contract total to $220,000, ensuring a reliable supply of lime through fiscal year 2025-26. Hydrated lime is a critical component in balancing pH levels and removing impurities in the city’s water supply. The funding for this initiative is sourced from the Water Operating Fund.
Integration of Timekeeping Systems The Council took steps to modernize its workforce operations by approving a $177,933 contract with CentralSquare Technologies. This will integrate the city’s timekeeping systems with the advanced software provided by UKG. The transition from manual to digital timekeeping is expected to improve payroll accuracy, reduce administrative burdens, and streamline workforce management. New features include GPS-enabled clock-ins, automated overtime tracking, and mobile document uploads. This project is funded through federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Wildlife Services Agreement with USDA Additionally, a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was approved to manage urban wildlife issues, particularly focusing on beavers and other animals that pose risks to the city’s waterways and infrastructure. With an annual cost of $25,000, the agreement includes trapping, vegetation management, and educational programs for residents. The program aims to prevent flooding and protect infrastructure such as levees and trails while balancing ecological preservation.
