CITY OF CITRUS HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Regular Meeting of Wednesday, April 23, 2025 City Hall Council Chambers 6360 Fountain Square Dr., Citrus Heights, CA CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER The regular meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Karpinsk-Costa. 1. The Flag Salute was led by Council Member Middleton. 2. Roll Call: Council Members present: Middleton, Nelson, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa Council Members absent: None Staff Members present: Cuffe, Feeney, Hudock, Jones, Kempenaar, Van and department directors. 3. The video statement was read by City Clerk Van. Mayor Karpinski-Costa announced that, in consideration of the number of speakers present, the time limit for public comment would be reduced from five to three minutes. Those audience members not wishing to speak at the podium were invited to write their comments on a blue card - limited to 250 words - to be read by the City Clerk. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ACTION: On a motion by Mayor Karpinski-Costa, seconded by Council Member Schaefer, the City Council approved the agenda. AYES: Middleton, Nelson, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa NOES: None ABSENT: None PRESENTATIONS 4. Proclamation of the City of Citrus Heights Proclaiming April 20-26, 2025 as National Volunteer Week Council Member Nelson read and presented the proclamation to City volunteers. Volunteer Michael Lagomarsino accepted the proclamation and addressed the Council on behalf of the group. Communications Officer Brown thanked all of the city's volunteers and encouraged anyone wishing to volunteer to sign up for opportunities with local organizations on the Volunteer Hub at wwapenisounesne A representative from the Citrus Heights Women's Club addressed the Council and encouraged older adults to volunteer. City Council comments followed. Printed on Recycled Paper Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, April 23, 2025 5. Proclamation of the City of Citrus Heights Proclaiming May as National Building Safety Month Council Member Schaefer read and presented the proclamation to Chief Building Official Joe Cuffe and Development Services Technician Shara Hudock. The City Council and staff recognized Miss Siena Hudock as Jr. Building Inspector again this year. Chief Building Official Cuffe announced upcoming community events, including Tools of the Trade. 6. Proclamation of the City of Citrus Heights Proclaiming April as Fair Housing Month Council Member Middleton read and presented the proclamation to Fair Housing Coordinator Akilah Williams of Project Sentinel. Ms. Williams thanked the City for its support of their initiatives to assist individuals of all demographics with housing rights. PUBLIC COMMENT City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Alfred Sanchez, "It could be considered unethical for a public official to use derogatory language, such as calling someone 'a pain in the especially in a professional or public context. Public officials are expected to maintain a level of decorum and respect when interacting with constituents, even when disagreeing or facing criticism. Such language could be seen as unprofessional and potentially abusive." COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND REGIONAL BOARD UPDATES Council Member Nelson attended a site walk of the Rusch Park Amphitheater Project. She reported on attending a Sacramento Transportation Authority Board meeting. On April 15, she met with the City Manager and developer Ethan Conrad, at her request. She attended the Citrus Heights Events Center ribbon cutting. She attended a Neighborhood Area 1 - Northwest monthly meeting. Council Member Schaefer reported on a Sacramento Regional Transit Real Estate Board Adjunct Committee meeting. He met with Citrus Heights Police Chief Turcotte, which takes place quarterly. He reported on attending a Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority meeting. He attended a Sacramento Area Council of Governments meeting, and a meeting regarding the upcoming Cap-to-Cap trip. Council Member Middleton attended the Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers Crab Feed. She attended the Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt. She attended the United Ways of California legislative recap. Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff attended the Sunrise MarketPlace Board meeting. She attended a tour of the Asian Resources, Inc. service office. She reported on the Sacramento Regional Transit Board orientation. She attended a Citrus Heights Area Seven, Eight, Nine (CHASEN) neighborhood meeting. She attended the Citrus Heights Events Center ribbon cutting. She reported on attending a Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Board meeting. She attended a San Juan Unified School District Board meeting. Mayor Karpinski-Costa attended a site walk of the Rusch Park Amphitheater Project. She reported on a Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District. She attended the Citrus Heights Events Center ribbon cutting. She had a call-in briefing with the Sacramento Area Sewer District. She hosted Monday with the Mayor. She reported on a Sacramento Area Sewer District. Page 2 of9 Printed on Recycled Paper Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, April 23, 2025 CONSENT CALENDAR 7. SUBJECT: Approval of Sunrise MarketPlace Property-Based Improvement District 2024 Annual Report STAFF REPORT: M. Huber RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-21, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights Approving the Sunrise MarketPlace 2024 Annual Report 8. SUBJECT: Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Single Audit Report, and Audited Financial Statements and Compliance Report for Transportation Development Act Funds STAFF REPORT: S. Talwar / A. Preciado RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the following for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024: a. City of Citrus Heights Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, b. City of Citrus Heights Popular Annual Financial Report, C. Audit Communication Letter and the Independent Auditors' Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters, d. Single Audit Report, e. City of Citrus Heights Transportation Development Act (TDA) Funds Audited Financial Statements and Compliance Report 9. SUBJECT: Second Reading Ordinance Amending Citrus Heights Municipal Code Chapter 38 - Fire Prevention and Protection, Article II. - Fireworks, Sections 38-78 and 38-81 STAFF REPORT: A. Turcotte / M. Wells / R. Jones RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-001, amending Citrus Heights Municipal Code Chapter 38 - Fire Prevention and Protection, Article III. = Fireworks Sections 38-78 and 38-81 10. SUBJECT: Authorize City Manager to Execute a Purchase Agreement with Cadence Team for the Replacement of City's Network and Wireless Infrastructure STAFF REPORT: S. Talwar / R. Miller RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-22, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Purchase Agreement with Cadence Team for the Replacement of the City's Network and Wireless Infrastructure Prior to approval of the Consent Calendar, Mayor Karpinski-Costa commended the Finance Division on Item 8 and for putting together the Annual Financial Report, which is available on the City's website. Council Member Schaefer commented on Item 7 and thanked Kathilynn Carpenter, Executive Director of the Sunrise MarketPlace Business Improvement District. ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Council Member Nelson, the City Council adopted Consent Calendar Items 7, 8, 9 and 10. Page 3 of9 Printed on Recycled Paper Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, April 23, 2025 AYES: Middleton, Nelson, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinsk-Costa NOES: None ABSENT: None REGULAR CALENDAR 11. SUBJECT: Consideration of Owner-initiated Specific Plan Amendment for the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan STAFF REPORT: C. Kempenaar / M. Huber RECOMMENDATION: Staff ecommends the City Council review the proposed informal application and the analysis contained within the Staff Report and provide feedback and direction to staff and the applicant. City Manager Feeney explained this item is for review and comment by providing the opportunity to hear Council and public feedback on the proposed project prior to ai full analysis and formal application. Community Development Director Kempenaar gave a presentation on the proposed Specific Plan Amendment for the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan for the City Council's feedback. He stated this is not a formal application, iti is an informal opportunity to review a preliminary application and give some feedback. He stated in 2024, Ethan Conrad Properties submitted a site plan for consideration and review that included a Home Depot and a mix of drive-through uses, some repurposing of existing building with a Sunrise Montessori and a national bowling tenant. Since that time the applicant conducted community outreach to the neighborhood areas and community groups. In response to the feedback received, Ethan Conrad Properties has reduced the number of quick service drive-throughs from eight to six over three phases, they added an open space event area in phase two, they identified a three-acre location for housing in phase two. They clarified limits of storage would be limited to just pasement area of existing buildings and they also eliminated light industrial uses. The Specific Plan does not allow drive-through businesses, and does not allow building and landscape material sales. The applicant has requested a reduction of open space requirements. The Plan currently has an open space target of 30 to 40% in areas three and four. The applicants proposal in phase one is no open space and about 1 acre of open space in phase two, which would represent about 4% of the 25 acre site requirement. He highlighted the specific General Plan and Specific Plan policies that are directly impacted by the proposed amendments. He stated there are three choices for City Council direction as follows: 1. Direct Applicant to proceed with Formal Specific Plan Amendment as described in Project Description; 2. Determine the Council is not interested in entertaining a formal Specific Plan Amendment; or 3. Provide Direction to the Applicant to proceed with a Formal Specific Plan Amendment with a modified version of application. Ethan Conrad of Ethan Conrad Properties addressed the Council and presented an overview of his proposal to amend the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan to bring in al Home Depot, In-N-Out and more. Dan Zoldak with Lars Andersen & Associates representing Home Depot spoke in support of the proposed Specific Plan Amendment and responded to questions from Council Members. Daniel P., Development Manager from In-n-Out addressed the Council and spoke in support of the proposed Specific Plan Amendment and responded to questions from Council Members. Page 4 of 9 Printed on Recycled Paper Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, April 23, 2025 Ben Coombs with Judi's Cleaners addressed the Council and spoke in support of the proposed Specific Plan Amendment and responded to questions from Council Members. Natalia Boyko from Sunrise Montessori School addressed the Council and spoke in support of the proposed Specific Plan Amendment. Mr. Conrad addressed the Council and responded to questions. The City Council took a brief five minute recess. Public Comment James Corless with Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) stated they have a Green Means Go program, which is to really revitalize a lot of our aging commercial corridors and commercial centers all across the region. Two grants have come directly from SACOG into Sunrise Tomorrow as a plan to support the city. He urged the city to stick to your vision. Jeff Slowey spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Jeannie Bruins spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Sheri Merrick, of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Bill Van Duker spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Tom Scheeler stated we all have to recognize what Mr. Conrad says is true, the market doesn't lie and it will give you what it will give you. The second comment would be think you need to recognize what is the definition of success and in this particular case I think the mission statement for the Sunrise Tomorrow Plan defines what success is. David B. Shelton spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Kamran Tadjeran spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Elaine Forsberg spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Tony Wood, of EXP Commercial Real Estate and representing the owners of Sunrise Rollerland, spoke in support of the proposed amendment. John Bain spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Janis Jacox stated in the long run there will need to be some compromises on the Sunrise Tomorrow Plan. She wouldn't mind one or two drive-throughs on the property, but not first, let some things grow organically. She doesn't believe it is a good location for al Home Depot. She is not again against changing some aspects of the Plan. Ross Tolbert, of Ethan Conrad Properties, spoke in support of the proposed amendment. Page 5of9 Printed on Recycled Paper Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, April 23, 2025 Tolya L. Thompson spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Mike Patten spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Janie Ricketts spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Kathy Morris spoke in support of the original Sunrise Tomorrow Plan. Albert Fox spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Vanessa Caigoy, Trustee on the Sacramento Office of Education representing Area 4, urged the City Council to uphold the original vision of the Sunrise Tomorrow Plan. Robert Hyland spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Lawrence Godwin spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Lisa Rigby spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Jeannette Carpenter, on behalf of Child Action Incorporated, stated they do not have a formal position on the amendment and are here to express support for Policy 47.3 of the General Plan, which promotes the development of a range of childcare facilities. Hannah Tschudin spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Katherine Ochakovsky spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Benjamin Ochakovsky spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Patty A. Gray spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Robert Carlson spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Ralph Carhart spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. Gigi Rayford spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment. City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by David Warren, I oppose the proposed amendments to the Sunrise Tomorrow development plan in that there has not been a substantial improvement in Conrad Properties proposal to conform to the intent of the development plan. Iti is irrefutable that action must be taken to obtain the highest and best use for the Sunrise Mall property redevelopment in light of the fact that (1) shopping malls across the country are failing; (2) the economy is tenuous; and (3) the loss of all but one of the mall's anchor stores. However, urgent need does not equate to approving an unacceptable proposal which fails to provide for the needs of the community. The redevelopment of the property should be focused upon mixed use, including residential, recreational, dining, retail shopping and open space. Instead, Conrad Properties proposes putting lipstick on a pig by constructing another big box store, a bowling alley and nominal retail space. Essentially, Conrad wants to Page 6 of 9 Printed on Recycled Paper Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, April 23, 2025 build a 20th Century shopping space in the 21st Century. Most importantly, the proposal addresses only a small portion of the mall property, with no assurance of appropriate redevelopment of the remainder of the property. The amendment should be rejected until aj proposal is presented that addresses redevelopment of the entire mall property consistent with the Sunrise Tomorrow development plan. Iti is better to wait for a satisfactory redevelopment plan than a proposal which will require replacement in a few years, thus putting an albatross around the neck of the city. The amendment should be rejected. City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Christine Romero, "I'm writing to share my voice at tonight's CH City Council Meetinf as I'm in able to attend due to an employment meeting. I'm a resident of Fair Oaks and resident near the CVS on Greenback Lane. I'm greatly concerned with the proposed amendment by the developer for the Sunrise Mall Tomorrow plan. My concern is adding fast food establishments and automotive facilities will cause severe traffic congestion on Sunrise Blvd. which is already a high traffic area. Additionally, there are already a large number of fast food establishments in close proximity. These proposed establishments would also bring down the value of our homes. As a homeowner in an unpredictable economy right now I'm very concerned this plan will be detrimental to our homes located in the Marquee and surrounding areas. Please strongly take this into consideration." City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Christine Foreman, "The sunrise tomorrow evolution plan will not benefit the people of Citrus Heights or the surrounding communities. We don't need more fast food or big box stores. The traffic is already a problem and with the addition of the proposed businesses, it will only get worse. support the original Sunrise Tomorrow Plan. believe this will enhance our city and make Citrus Heights a destination." City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Tucker Harrison, "Please do not adopt the revised Sunrise Tomorrow plan. We have the rare opportunity and land asset that many towns only dream of. Please use this opportunity to turn Citrus Heights into a destination similar to other success stories like Santana Row in Santa Clara and The Fountains in Roseville." City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Amy Church, Community spaces are important. Part of the reason I moved to Citrus Heights is because I didn't feel like I was living in the middle of a parking lot here. Reducing the minimum allocation for open/community space shows that the developer is not presenting these amendments for the good of our community, but rather as a way to line their own pockets. The proposed removal of maximum retail square footage allocation, and the promotion of big box stores, like a Home Depot further proves this. These types of businesses displace and prevent local businesses from thriving, and contribute to overwhelming traffic. They also make areas less walkable, which goes against the initial plans that our neighbors support for a reason. Increasing the number of drive-throughs not only contributes to the issues : already stated, but also would make this center a place for transient stops, when we need a place where community members can gather for more than just a stop on their way elsewhere. Not to mention the environmental impacts that these plans would contribute to. These amendments go directly against the goal to become a destination in Citrus Heights. don't know about you, but I've never sat around with friends and family to think of a local destination we could go spend the day at, and had anyone suggest al hub with Home Depot as it's main attraction." City Clerk Van read written public comment submitted by Merilee Tafua, I live right next to the Sunrise Mall and like most residents, want this project to be completed yesterday, BUTI also am still 100% behind the city's adopted Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan (STSP). Our city is at a crossroads. Either we hang tough and truly make the site the heart of the city" like the STSP envisions, or we take the easy Page 70 of9 Printed on Recycled Paper Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, April 23, 2025 road and end up with something more akin to "heart disease". Tweaks to the plan may be needed, but Ethan Conrad's proposed amendments are not tweaks, they are completely inconsistent with the STSP policies. Please do not give in!" City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Diane Sommer, "I am not in favor of a Home Depot as anchor surrounded by fast food restaurants, etc. The mall is in the center of Citrus Heights and whatever goes in there should be something that makes the city a better place, something that is attractive and appealing, that will attract people. Fountains in Roseville is a good example of such aj place. Plus, it is always busy. A Home Depot and more fast food will detract from the area. Thank you." City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Rachel Abbott, "Our civic society should focus on what benefits and enriches lives of citizens - a mixed-use project that emphasizes the needs of people from senior citizens, walkability, small business is the moral and socially responsible choice. The Medicis believed in the purpose of art and design and copied the Roman ideas that public squalor leads to private opulence'. If we don't create our towns and cities as laces where the wealthy enjoy living in being in they will make private luxuries and spend money on that. Our civic institutions have the opportunity to create a walkable, beautiful third place' - something that car-centered California is short on. Studies have shown that the most desirable cities offer beautiful public spaces - please don't develop a row of six fast-food places. All my neighbors oppose. City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Sam Lucero, "On Sunrise Blvd we have almost every fast-food joint. We don'tneed more. However, we have no movie theaters and no venues. The property at Sunrise Mall would be an amazing location for both. It would bring value and tax money to our city as well. He also asked why Home Depot is important with Lowes right across the street?" City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Sayra Flores, "Don't amend specific general plan, don't cave into Conrad, no Home Depot. People of Citrus Heights deserve al better place to gather, connect, enjoy entertainment. We want vision." City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Matthew Dittrich, The proposal of Ethan Conrad lacks creativity to address the vision of the Sunrise Tomorrow. He has complete disregard of the Sunrise Tomorrow Plan and offers his experience and plan as the only possible solution for development. It seems he has found a quick and relatively simple approach to maximize his investment to benefit his business rather than the City of Citrus Heights. He states he likes challenges then let's have him work within the vision of the Sunrise Tomorrow." City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Kevin Cadinha, "lown a store in Sunrise mall and us business owners have been excited about the prospect. Pushing this project back will mean the death of my small business and other small business owners in the mall. We will be forced our of Citrus Heights. My store has been in the mall for 20 plus years, Ihave owned it for five. Please consider Ethan Conrad's plan." City Clerk Van read the following written public comment submitted by Donna Kincannon, "Thank you for the excellent questions by the Council Members to Ethan Conrad and others. It seems that Mr. Conrad wants a peacemeal approval process for his development. What will happen to the rest of the property after phase one and two. What did the Council Members learn from visiting the projects in Colorado. On the map of the property the event space to the left of the Macy's men's store, what kind of events will Page 8 of9 Printed on Recycled Paper Citrus Heights City Council Wednesday, April 23, 2025 there be and entertainment center business for families. Citrus Heights and surrounding communities can support a vibrant city center retail entertainment restaurants, etc. without a Home Depot. They put the example, Highhand a Loomis restaurant and brewery, live music, unique shops." City Council comments and questions followed. ACTION: On a motion by Council Member Schaefer, seconded by Council Member Middleton, the City Council determined they are not interested in entertaining a formal Specific Plan Amendment. AYES: Middleton, Nelson, Schaefer, Lopez-Taff, Karpinski-Costa NOES: None ABSENT: None DEPARTMENT REPORTS None. CITY MANAGER ITEMS None. ITEMS REQUESTED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS /I FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Karpinski-Costa adjourned the regular meeting at 10:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dus Vn Amy Van, CityClerk Page 9 of9 Printed on Recycled Paper