Organics and Food Waste Recycling Update |
The city is rolling out a new organics recycling program to comply with a California law that requires all residents and businesses to recycle organic waste, including food waste, food-soiled paper (napkins, coffee filters), yard waste, and wood. Here’s the scoop on what that means for businesses and residents, whether you live in an apartment or a single-family home.
Businesses/commercial customers: Commercial food recycling begins now. The Waste & Recycling Division is delivering green bins to all non-compliant businesses. Folsom recycling staff are going door-to-door with educational materials about what is green bin approved and how to use a triple bin system (blue, green, and grey) at your business. Check out our new how-to video.
Residents living in apartment communities: Organics recycling begins this month for apartments. Property owners will be notified of the exact start date of weekly green bin service. Residents should bag their food waste in clear plastic or compostable bags and place it into the green bins, which will be picked up weekly.
Residents living in single-family homes: Starting July 1, residents will place bagged food waste and food-soiled paper in the green bins that are currently used for yard waste only. Green bins are mandatory for all residents. If you currently don’t have a green bin, you will receive one automatically after the program begins.
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Green Bin Approved: What to place in your green bin
Businesses and apartment residents should start using the green bin for organic waste now. Single-family homes start in July. Here’s how to get organic waste in its place.
Yes, toss it in, green bin approved!
✔ Food scraps
✔ Food-soiled paper (napkins, coffee filters)
✔ Yard waste (Do not bag plant trimmings.)
✔ Wood
✔ Remember to bag your food scraps and food-soiled paper using compostable or clear plastic bags before placing them in the bin with un-bagged yard waste.
No, not green bin approved.
❌ Styrofoam/plastic containers
❌ Coated paper or cups (wax-coated food soiled papers are ok for the commercial program, not residential)
❌ Dirt or rocks
❌ Diapers or pet/human waste
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Special City Council Meeting March 8 |
Join Folsom City Councilmembers and city staff for a special Folsom City Council meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 8 to develop a strategy to close the city’s future funding gap.
Staff will review current and projected fiscal conditions and future challenges to guide policy and decisions that may have an immediate or long-term influence on city operations, strategic goals, and community services. In addition, the City Council will begin the process of developing a comprehensive strategic plan to establish the city’s priorities, goals, and objectives for the next five years.
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Cummings Family Bike Park Update |
The bike park remains open for daily use, with the pump track available for riders to enjoy. Last fall, the back section of the bike park was fenced off and closed to allow for much-needed restoration. Folsom Parks & Recreation is in the process of evaluating the next steps to improve and enhance the entire bike park, which could include new park design ideas. Staff anticipates this process will take several months. Watch for potential opportunities to assist with a community volunteer workday as more details are determined. Find bike park information and updates online. Questions? Call Recreation Supervisor Chad Gunter at 916-461-6645 or email.
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Friends of the Library Book Sale, March 11-13 |
The Friends of the Folsom Library’s bi-annual book sale takes place March 11 through 13, featuring thousands of books and media at deeply discounted prices. Shop from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday for the best selection; $5 admission on Friday only (military with ID and Friends of the Folsom Library members are free). Admission is free Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday shoppers can fill a grocery bag for just $5! Learn more at www.foflib.org.
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Water Infrastructure Improvements |
The City of Folsom Environmental and Water Resources Department is rehabilitating and replacing portions of the city’s water distribution system to improve water reliability. This maintenance and construction work may require a one-day water service outage at homes or businesses. Water customers affected by this work are being notified in advance by door tags, the city newsletter, and social media notices.
The City of Folsom is committed to providing exceptional and reliable service to our water customers. Crews will minimize impacts to water customers as much as possible. For a schedule of planned water outages, visit www.folsom.ca.us/wateroutages.
Affected areas:
- Duchow Way, East Bidwell Street (300 Block)
- Talisman Drive, Evelyn Way
- Darrington Drive, Eveland Court, Moreland Court, Metz Court
- Econome Court, Rawlings Court
- Orange Blossom Circle, Fantages Way
- Briggs Ranch Drive, Jumper Court, Fath Court
- Coloma Street
- Toney Court
- Mercy Hospital, Creekside Drive
- Marietta Court, Berry Creek Drive, Deerwood Way, Hillswood Drive, and nearby streets
- Prairie City Road, Willard Drive
- East Bidwell Street (2300 block)
- Natoma Street
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By-District Election Public Hearing March 8 |
The City of Folsom is near the end of the process to transition to a by-district system for electing future City Councilmembers.
At the continued fourth public hearing February 22, the City Council selected “Preferred Map 2” as the final preferred map for adoption at Public Hearing No. 5, scheduled for March 8.
The City Council also determined that members of the City Council from Council Districts 1, 3, and 5 will be elected on a by-district basis beginning with the General Municipal Election in 2022, and members of the City Council from Council Districts 2 and 4 will be elected on a by-district basis beginning with the General Municipal Election in 2024.
Public Hearing No. 5 will be held during the regular March 8 Folsom City Council meeting. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at City Hall, 50 Natoma Street. Review the preferred map and learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/districtelections.
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Drought Persists, and Water Conservation Restrictions Remain in Place |
Winter rain and snow brought hope, but it wasn’t enough to bust the drought. Due to current conditions, Folsom is currently at Water Conservation "Water Warning" - Stage 3. Mandatory water use restrictions for residences and businesses include:
- Landscape and hand watering is limited to two designated days per week.
- Washing of parking lots, streets, driveways, or sidewalks is prohibited.
- The use of city water for construction purposes without city approval is prohibited.
- Restaurants are required to only serve water upon request.
- All pools, spas, and ornamental fountains/ponds shall be equipped with a recirculation pump.
- Pool draining and refilling shall be allowed only to the extent required for health, maintenance, or structural considerations.
You can find more information and learn how to take advantage of water-saving rebates and programs on the city’s water conservation webpage.
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City of Folsom to Launch New Electronic Permitting and Processing System |
The City of Folsom is launching eTRAKiT, a new electronic development permit and processing system, on March 14. The convenient new tool will streamline requests and make it even easier to interact with the city’s Community Development Department.
The new digital eTRAKiT portal is a one-stop shop for all development-related permits, plans, and activities. Customers can apply for building permits and planning entitlements, schedule inspections, check the status of a permit or project, and pay online with credit cards or electronic checks. Access these services online – without taking a trip to City Hall.
The new system also combines the eTRAKiT portal with an improved version of ProjectDox, the city’s electronic plan review program.
New Automated Inspection Hotline
In addition to eTRAKiT, customers can call the new automated hotline at 916-573-6734 to schedule inspections starting Monday afternoon, March 14. The new system provides tools and real-time information, fees, inspections, and review information regarding permit and entitlement applications.
Timeline
To prepare for the eTRAKiT launch, permits will not be issued March 10-11 and building inspections will not be available March 15.
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Folsom City Council Hearing on Changes to Home-Based Business Rules |
At its March 8 meeting, the Folsom City Council will consider updates to an ordinance that regulates home-based businesses in Folsom.
The home occupations ordinance was last updated in 1997. Given the nationwide increase in home-based business activity, staff was asked to look at whether the city should update its home occupation permit regulations to provide more flexibility. Based on staff’s review and input from the Planning Commission and the public, it was determined that the ordinance needed to be updated to address flexibility, provide necessary clarifications, and reduce inconsistencies with the rest of the Zoning Code. Significant changes include adding a prohibited uses list, an increase in the number of customers allowed, changes to the permitted hours of operation, and specific safety requirements for firearms and ammunition sales.
The public hearing will be held during the regular March 8 Folsom City Council meeting. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at City Hall, 50 Natoma Street. Attendees can participate remotely or appear in person.
The agenda, staff report, and draft ordinance will be available on the City Council webpage no later than Friday, March 4. Past presentations and staff reports on the city’s rules for home occupation permits are available on the Zoning Code Update website at www.folsom.ca.us/zoningcode.
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City of Folsom Traffic Management System Earns National Award |
The City of Folsom recently completed a project that allows the city to remotely manage many of its traffic signal enclosures. Folsom was one of two cities in California to implement Genetec’s mechanical padlocks to secure its traffic signals. These locks allow traffic department staff to remotely control and monitor who, when, and how traffic cabinets are accessed. Staff no longer needs to visit traffic enclosures on-site to unlock traditional, mechanical padlocks for contractors. This enhances security and streamlines both urgent and routine maintenance tasks, saving the city time and money.
The City won a Best in Show award in partnership with Genetec Inc. and EYEP Solutions at the annual Intelligent Transportation Society of America Conference for these cutting-edge enclosures. Senior Traffic Signal & Lighting Technician Shane Flaming and Senior Civil Engineer Zach Bosch received the award at an event at the Robert H. Miller III Rotary Clubhouse in Folsom.
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Join the Sea Squad for Summer Swim Lessons |
Join The Squad this summer and start building your water confidence and swim skills! The Steve Miklos Aquatic Center offers a great lineup of summer swim lessons through its popular Sea Squad Swim School. Group lessons for ages 3 to 15 are available for those who are just beginning and developing water confidence, as well as students who want to advance and build on existing swim skills. Adult lessons are also available for ages 18+. The aquatic center is following current public health guidelines. Lessons begin in June; early registration is encouraged as space is limited and classes are filling quickly. Visit webtrac.folsom.ca.us to register or call 916-461-6640 for more information.
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Looking for a Job?
Folsom Parks & Recreation is Hiring!
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Folsom Parks & Recreation is accepting applications for a variety of part-time and summer job opportunities, including administrative support positions; staff for Zoo Sanctuary, Vacation Zone, and CAVE summer camps; front desk, shift supervisor, site monitor, scorekeeper, and ballfield prep positions for the Andy Morin Sports Complex; park aide and park aide specialist positions; and lifeguard, swim instructor, café and party staff, and front office assistants at the Steve Miklos Aquatic Center. Many of these positions fill quickly, and interviews begin soon. Learn more about the requirements to apply and find position descriptions online.
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Love My Mom Family Fitness Event |
The 8th annual Love My Mom 5K and Kids’ Dash takes place Sunday, May 1. This popular event that celebrates family and community is presented by Folsom Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Palladio and Kaiser. The 5K course is flat and closed to traffic, making it an ideal route for runners, walkers, and stroller striders – leashed dogs are welcome, too. The race starts and finishes at Whole Foods; the course includes the Palladio’s interior streets and surrounding roads. The fun Kids’ Dash for ages 10 and under returns this year, with medals awarded to all registered participants.
Participants in the 5K will be electronically timed and special awards will be presented to top finishers in a variety of categories including single and double strollers, top mom, top female, and top male. All registered 5K participants will receive a custom dry-fit shirt and special commemorative finisher’s medal. At the finish area, all participants can explore vendor booths, enjoy DJ music, and enjoy light refreshments. Registration is open—sign up today! Follow Folsom Parks & Recreation on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed about race details.
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Registration is Open for Adult Yoga Classes |
Folsom Parks & Recreation’s popular yoga classes for ages 21+ resume in March at 48 Natoma. Yoga for Healthy Living is a gentle flow-style and breath-centered class for all levels. Classes are held from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Get Moving Through Chair Yoga incorporates a variety of movement, breathing, and visualization for all degrees of mobility; the class does not include floor work and modifications are offered as needed. Class meets from 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Purchase a 4-class pass for $40/Folsom residents; fee for non-residents is $47. Purchase passes online or in person at the 48 Natoma Street (Folsom Senior and Art Center) service counter. Passes are valid for 60 days from date of purchase.
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Contact the City of Folsom Communications Director
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Get Connected, Stay Informed |
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