City News: Your Weekly Update
Week of November 4, 2019
Folsom's Veterans Day Parade November 11
Folsom residents will honor the nation's veterans at the 19 th annual Wayne Spence Folsom Veterans Day Parade starting at 9 a.m. Monday, November 11. The parade stages in the Target/Home Goods parking lot and begins on East Bidwell Street near Montrose Drive. The parade will travel westbound on E. Bidwell Street, northbound on Coloma Street, and will proceed to Natoma Street. The parade will finish at Folsom City Lions Park with a brief ceremony to honor local veterans at the Veterans Memorial.

Open House on Proposed Utility Rate Increases Wednesday
The City of Folsom is currently considering recommendations from an independent Rate Study to increase rates for water, wastewater, and solid waste services in the years 2020-2024 and is hosting an Open House on Wednesday for customers to learn more and ask questions. The Open House will take place on Wednesday, November 6 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Folsom Community Center at 52 Natoma Street.
 
During the Open House, utility staff will provide a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session will include:
 
  • Recommendations from an independent Rate Study to increase rates.
  • Current rates and proposed rate increases.
  • Projects and capital reinvestment funded by proposed rate increases.
  • Cost reduction and operational efficiency measures undertaken by each utility.
  • Opportunities for public input.
  
Utility rates have not increased for many years. The city has not made comprehensive adjustments to solid waste rates since 2004, the wastewater rates since 2008, and the water rates since 2011. Information about proposed rate increases is available online at www.folsom.ca.us/utilityrates .
City to Conduct Sewer Smoke Tests  
Folsom residents who see smoke coming from manhole lids and sidewalk cracks should not be concerned. Starting mid-November, the City of Folsom will be testing portions of the sewer lines using a non-toxic artificial smoke substance. The smoke tests will help identify defects, damages, and improper connections that may allow unwanted water to enter the city’s sewer system. Smoke testing is an industry-standard practice that allows the city to identify sewer line problems and ensure an efficient, safe, and reliable wastewater collection system. 

City Seeks Applications for the Folsom Historic District Commission 
Help protect and enhance the historic and cultural character of Folsom’s treasured Historic District. Residents, historic preservationists, and business owners in the Folsom Historic District are encouraged to apply for the Historic District Commission.

There are three open seats on the seven-member Historic District Commission. The Commission is responsible for reviewing the design and architecture of new or altered structures within the Historic District, as well as applications for sign permits, conditional use permits, variances, land divisions, and land mergers within the district. In addition, the Historic District Commission advises and makes recommendations to the City Council concerning matters associated with historic landmarks, sites, and structures.

Applications are due November 22. To learn more and apply, visit the City of Folsom’s Commissions and Committees webpage.
Register for Holiday Break Camps
Folsom Parks & Recreation offers a variety of day camps for kids and teens over the Thanksgiving school break, November 25 through 27. Selections include Junior Zookeeper Camp, Tennis Camp, Striker and Goalkeeper Camp, and Skyhawks Basketball Camp. Find details and register online at webtrac.folsom.ca.us .
To Burn or Not to Burn – Time to Check
It’s the season to Check Before You Burn! From November through the end of February, residents and businesses in Sacramento County, including the City of Folsom, must check the daily burn status before using a wood-burning fireplace or other wood-burning device. This is due to the Sac Metro Air District’s Check Before You Burn law. No Burn days are called when weather conditions trap wood smoke near the ground. To protect public health and achieve federal air quality standards, it’s illegal to burn wood, pellets, manufactured logs or any other solid fuel when fine particle pollution (PM2.5) is forecast to be high. This applies to indoor or outdoor fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits, and chimineas.

Here’s how to Check Before You Burn:
  1. Call 1-877-NO-BURN-5 (1-877-662-8765).
  2. Follow on Twitter @AQMD 3.
  3. Visit www.AirQuality.org.
  4. Download the free Sacramento Region Air Quality app.
  5. Sign up to get a daily Air Alert email at www.SpareTheAir.com – input your Sacramento County zip code and check the “Daily Air Quality Forecast” box.
The City of Folsom will observe Veterans Day on Monday, November 11
City administrative offices will be closed on Veterans Day. For urgent City issues, call 916-355-7231. Call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies.

  • Garbage service will be provided as usual. If Monday is your collection day, please place your cans curbside by 6 a.m.
  • Transit services will be available through the Folsom Stage Line operated by SacRT.
  • The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The Andy Morin Sports Complex will be open regular hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • The Steve Miklos Aquatic Center will be open for lap swim from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15
  • The Fun Factory Preschools will be closed.
  • The FIDO Field Dog Park will be open from 7 a.m. to one hour after sunset.
  • The Cummings Skate and Bike Park will be open from 9 to 5 p.m.
  • The Folsom Public Library is closed on Mondays.
  • The Folsom Senior Center and Gallery at 48 Natoma will be closed.
Free Educational Workshop: Mountain Lions
November 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Join Lynn Cullens, Executive Director of the Mountain Lion Foundation, and learn about these fascinating animals and ways to coexist with them. Lynn will discuss safety tips for hiking and biking in areas where mountain lions are known to live or have been sighted, tips to keep pets and livestock safe, and other information. Workshop is for ages 15+; must preregister to reserve your seat — Call  916-461-6601 for more information.
Vintage Book Sale at the Folsom Public Library 
The Friends of the Folsom Library will host their first-ever Vintage Book Sale from 9 to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 16 in the Library Meeting Room. Find one-of-a-kind vintage books, rare and antique treasures, and other special gift-quality books for the bibliophiles on your holiday shopping list. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library . 
Movember. It’s more than a mustache, it’s a movement.  
The City of Folsom Fire Department will be taking action to raise awareness for men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Help us change the face of men’s health, and join the cause as we turn November into Movember. Learn more at us.movember.com .
Upcoming City Meetings
Parks & Recreation Commission
November 5, 6:30 p.m.

Historic District Commission
November 6, 5 p.m.

Planning Commission - CANCELED
November 6, 6:30 p.m.

Historic District Parking Solutions Ad Hoc Committee
November 7, 6:30 p.m.
Contact the City of Folsom's Communication Director
Christine Brainerd · cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us · 916-461-6013 (office)

City of Folsom | 50 Natoma Street | www.folsom.ca.us