City News: Your Weekly Update
June 2, 2020
Folsom City Council Member Ernie Sheldon Receives Prestigious Awards 
Honoring a Life Devoted to Service and Community

Ernie Sheldon was recently honored with awards presented by the California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) and the California Association of Park & Recreation Commissioners & Board Members (CAPRCBM).

The CPRS Service Award of Excellence: Champion of the Community is a statewide award bestowed annually on individuals who volunteer and provide support and services in their community that furthers the mission and quality delivery of park and recreation services, programs, and facilities in their community. The CAPRCBM President’s Award is bestowed upon an individual who demonstrates leadership, knowledge of park and recreation programs and activities, and service beyond expectations. This seldom-presented award is determined by the organization’s Board of Directors.

Ernie Sheldon is a 32-year resident of Folsom who is recognized for his long-term service to the community, including his current role as the city’s Vice Mayor. He has served on the City Council since 2008. Prior to his election to the City Council, Ernie served on Folsom’s Parks & Recreation Commission for two decades.
Folsom City Council Adopts Balanced Budget
The Folsom City Council unanimously approved a $213 million Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan for the 2020-21 fiscal year, which takes effect July 1, 2020. The spending plan approved at the May 26 City Council meeting maintains high quality service levels and amenities for the Folsom community.

The adopted Budget marks an end of the annual process of evaluating the City’s fiscal health, community priorities, infrastructure needs, and daily operations. The Budget reflects a $2.3 million reduction in General Fund appropriations compared to the FY19-20 Budget due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Budget includes an operating budget for day-to-day City programs and services and a capital improvement program which funds public construction projects and infrastructure.

Projects include:
  • Water treatment plant upgrade
  • Sewer evaluation and capacity assurance plan
  • Capital SouthEast Connector Expressway
  • Street resurfacing, sewer, and drainage improvements
  • Fire Station 38 renovation and modernization
  • Folsom Police Station remodel, phase 1
  • Steve Miklos Aquatic Center pool renovation and replacement of activity structure
  • Community Development permit center
  • Folsom Community Center roof replacement
  • Light Rail station cameras in the Folsom Historic District
From Folsom Mayor Sarah Aquino, Folsom City Manager Elaine Andersen, and all of us at Folsom City Hall – Congrats to the  Folsom High School , Folsom Lake High School, and Vista del Lago High School graduates.
Proposed Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Ordinance Public Hearings Scheduled 
The City of Folsom Community Development Department recommends adoption of a new ordinance for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs, also known as granny flats, in-law units, or second units, are attached or detached residential dwelling units typically on the same property as a single-family home. ADUs provide lower-cost housing alternatives that can benefit new and existing residents, particularly young people and seniors. 

Since the State has changed many of the ADU requirements, the City of Folsom current ADU standards are rendered null and void unless the city updates its own ADU standards to comply with the new State law. Folsom’s proposed ordinance encourages quality design standards, respect for neighborhood context, and privacy, while providing a simplified process for review and approval of ADUs. The proposed ordinance would encourage more affordable housing options without altering the overall character of Folsom neighborhoods.

The public is encouraged to provide input about the proposed ADU ordinance. Three public hearings are scheduled:

Historic District Commission
Wednesday, June 3 at 4 p.m. (Special Time)
Planning Commission
Wednesday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m.
City Council
Tuesday, June 23, at 6:30 p.m.

The meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at Folsom City Hall, 50 Natoma Street. Social distancing must be maintained at all times. Call-in and remote options are available.

For more information on accessory dwelling units, including the staff reports and presentations for the upcoming Commission hearings, as well as other information on the City’s Zoning Code Update, please visit:  www.folsom.ca.us/zoningcode . 
Folsom Police Department Closely Monitors Events
The Folsom Police Department is closely monitoring events around the Sacramento region and in Folsom. Fi rst and foremost, we fully appreciate and respect the freedom to protest safely, lawfully, and peacefully. We will uphold and protect those rights while ensuring the safety of our community.

We are also aware of social media reports of threatened illegal activity in Folsom and surrounding areas. The Folsom Police Department stands ready to protect our citizens and will have additional officers working to keep Folsom safe. We are also in close communication and coordinating with our regional, state, and federal public safety partners.

Our highest priority is ensuring the safety of our community. If you see something you feel needs to be reported to the Folsom Police Department, call the non-emergency number at 916-355-7231. If you see an active crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

For trusted and verified information, follow the official Folsom Police Department social media sites and website:
New Health Order Allows In-Person Religious Services and Salon Visits to Resume
The Sacramento County Public Health Officer recently issued a new Order that allows for the return to hair salons and barbershops, retail stores and shopping malls, and the ability to attend religious and cultural services. Strict social distancing and other measures are required. To read the May 26 public health Order, visit the Sacramento County’s website at saccounty.net .
Clean/Cover/Contain 
Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and follow these three easy steps:

Clean your hands regularly with soap and water.
Cover your face when you can’t maintain six feet of distance from others in public.
Contain the spread of germs by staying home when you’re sick — even just a little.

Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/COVID-19 .
City Seeks Input on Housing Element Update 
The City of Folsom is updating its Housing Element and would like to hear your thoughts and ideas on housing needs in Folsom. The City is conducting a community survey to gather information on the housing needs and priorities of Folsom residents and to form strategies to meet the City’s future housing needs. Help guide the future of housing in Folsom by responding to the survey online at www.folsomhousingelement.com/get-involved . The survey is available online through June 30, 2020.  
Local Roadway Safety Plan 
The City of Folsom is looking for the community’s input to help develop its first comprehensive Local Roadway Safety Plan, which provides a framework for identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing local roadway safety improvements. The plan will enable the City to identify potential traffic safety projects in Folsom. Visit www.folsomcitysafestreets.com to learn more and attend a virtual workshop to provide your input.
Habitat for Humanity Accepting Applications for Home Repairs through June 8
For many in our region, sheltering in place can be challenging as low-income seniors, veterans, and families suffer through living in homes with leaky roofs and serious health and safety related deferred maintenance issues that they cannot afford to fix.

If you know a low-income homeowner in need of critical health and safety repairs such as a roof replacement or energy-efficient repairs like new siding, windows, or an upgraded heating and air system -- Habitat might be able to help, thanks to a partnership with  SMUD !

Learn more about the program and how to apply at www.HabitatGreaterSac.org/home-repair.
2-1-1 Sacramento​
Anyone in Sacramento County -- including Folsom residents -- can call 2-1-1 Sacramento (2-1-1) for free, confidential information and local referral for social services; residents who are hearing impaired can call 7-1-1 to connect to 2-1-1. Specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and interpreters are available.

Assistance is available in multiple languages, and services are accessible to people with disabilities.

Utilizing a comprehensive computerized database of more than 1,600 nonprofit and public agency programs, trained information and referral specialists give personalized attention to each caller.

For information and referrals on social services in the region:
  • Call: Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-500-4931 or 916-498-1000 (Call 7-1-1 if you are hearing impaired and ask to be connected to 2-1-1)
  • Email: info@211sacramento.org
There is Still Time to Complete the 2020 Census       
Thank you, Folsom! Approximately 72 percent of Folsom residents responded to the 2020 Census, but we still have more work to do to get everyone counted. It is important that everyone living in Folsom is counted for the Census to ensure all our voices are heard and we are fairly represented. It also means money for our community’s critical programs that support hospitals, housing, education, and emergency preparedness. The self-response period -- which includes online, phone, and mailed responses -- has been extended from July 31 to October 31 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more at my2020census.gov . 
Upcoming City Meetings
Parks & Recreation Commission - CANCELED
June 2, 6:30 p.m.

Historic District Commission
June 3, 5:00 p.m.

Planning Commission
June 3, 6:30 p.m.
City Council Office Hours
Mayor's Office Hours
Thursdays from 2 - 5 p.m.
Second Floor, City Hall
No Appointment Necessary
Contact the City of Folsom's Communications Director
Christine Brainerd · cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us · 916-461-6013 (office)

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