Public hearings. Expanded smoking ban. Eminent domain. Rental inspections. Closed session. Possible litigation. Those are some of the items listed on the Citrus Heights City Council’s Oct. 25 meeting at City Hall.
Here’s a brief summary of what’s included in the council’s 111-page agenda packet:
SPECIAL MEETING (6:30 p.m.)
Closed Session. City Council members will meet with legal counsel to discuss “anticipated litigation” involving one case. Additional details were not included in the agenda packet.
REGULAR MEETING (7 p.m.)
Agenda Items of Note:
- Smoking regulations. The City Council will consider a staff recommendation to repeal and replace the City’s existing ordinance regulating smoking, in order to bring the code into conformance with state law and expand areas where smoking will be banned. According to a posting on the City’s website about the proposed changes, if approved, “smoking will be prohibited in all public parks, trails, nature preserves, and in outdoor dining areas. In addition, the smoking of marijuana (both medical and non-medical) will be prohibited in all public places.” (See staff report, draft changes)
- Video interviews. City staff are recommending the council approve a revision to the City’s appointment process for Planning Commission and Construction Board of Appeals members. The change would include an updated questionnaire and a requirement for each applicant to conduct a video interview of no more than 10 minutes in length, which would be made available to the council and general public prior to any individual being appointed.
Public Hearings:
- Eminent domain. A limited public hearing will be held regarding the City’s effort to acquire a section of private property through eminent domain, in order to construct new street/sidewalk improvements and underground utilities, as part of Phase II of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets project. The property is an old gas station at 8244 Auburn Blvd. An acquisition price is proposed for $24,200. According to a staff report, the City began proceeding with offers and negotiations last year for partial acquisition of 54 properties along Auburn Boulevard in the northern portion of the city, with “appraisals set at fair market value.” At least three properties have been unable to be acquired through voluntary agreements, causing the City to pursue eminent domain.
- Fire ordinance. Council members will hold a public hearing and procedural second reading on a staff recommendation to repeal and re-enact the City’s Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance, with changes recommended by Metro Fire. According to a staff report, changes include “requiring an approved fire control room in all new buildings, reduced fire areas for all occupancy types in regards to fire sprinkler requirements, [and] changes to fire flows and fire flow durations.”
- Rental Inspections. The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed new ordinance and fee schedule that would authorize and fund mandatory inspections of the city’s roughly 15,000 rental homes and apartments, at an annual cost of about $500,000 that would be paid for by rental property owners. The City Council previously voted 4-1 in August to direct staff to draft wording of the new ordinance, which is now set to be voted on following the hearing. See full story for more: Public hearing, final vote set for proposed rental inspection program
The council meeting will also begin with a pair of presentations and conclude with a report on a City-sponsored Tree Photo Contest currently underway. Presentations will include a proclamation recognizing October 2018 as Manufacturing Awareness and Appreciation Month, and a presentation on the 10th Annual Holiday Referral Program.
The City Council’s Oct. 25 meeting will be held at 6360 Fountain Square Drive. The full agenda packet can be viewed by clicking here.
