Sentinel Staff Report—
Citrus Heights City Council members will meet Wednesday, Oct. 9, to consider approving a nearly $200,000 LED lighting upgrade at the Community Center, as well as discuss allocation of funding for two grant programs, review the Neighborhood Improvement Partnership grant conference and workshop attendance policy, and hear an update from the Citrus Heights Police Activities League.
LED Lighting Project: According to a city staff report, replacing current light fixtures at the Citrus Heights Community Center with LED lighting will “provide significant energy savings,” and LED lighting will last longer. The total contract cost is $193,800. $137,000 of funds are being covered through an Energy Efficient Community Block Grant allocation, and $56,700 will be funded through General Capital Replacement Funds, according to the agenda packet. If work is completed by December 31, 2024, the city is also eligible to receive $10,290 in rebates through SMUD’s Complete Energy Solutions program. This item is part of the consent calendar.
Block Grant: For the 2025 calendar year, out of $600,000, the city wants to allocate $90,000 for public services, $120,000 for administration, and $390,000 for capital housing activities. To receive grant funding, the city is required to prepare a five-year comprehensive planning document that assesses the needs of low- to moderate-income populations. A full outline of the Consolidated plan and its goals can be seen in the agenda packet here.
Funding for the Community Development Block Grant comes from an annual award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Community Support: The Non-Profit Community Support Fund has $150,000 available for Fiscal Year 2024/2025. 12 applications were received within the application period (July 16-Aug. 16), including applications from the Sayonara Center and Sunrise Christian Food Ministry, both requesting $25,000, the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team, requesting $75,000, Meals on Wheels, requesting $82,000, and Yes2Knowledge, requesting $150,000. The Quality of Life Committee has recommended dispersing $150,000 among five of the 12 applicants.
Conference and Workshop Attendance Policy: In past years, the City Council has authorized neighborhood leaders to attend the Neighborhood USA (NUSA) conference with funds from the Neighborhood Improvement Partnership Grant. At an April City Council meeting, some council members expressed concern. The council requested that the funds should fully support community-driven improvement projects, and paying for individuals to attend the conference should not “negatively impact the availability” of funding for improvement projects.
In response, the city is considering allocating a cap of $5,000 for travel and conference expenses, enhance eligibility requirements and emphasize “fair and equitable access,” and give priority to first-time requests.
Citrus Heights Police Activities League: The Citrus Heights Police Activities League, which is part of the Police Department, will be presenting a department report to the City Council on Wednesday. The nonprofit organization focuses on “creating positive relationships” between youth and police officers, according to the organization’s website. Citrus Heights PAL has several after-school programs, including the Explorer Program for students ages 14 to 17 who are interested in law enforcement and the Criminal Justice field.
Those wishing to make a public comment during the meeting can do so by attending the council meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at City Hall at 6 p.m., or by submitting a written comment beforehand using the city’s website. The deadline to submit comments online is 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting. See full agenda packet online: Click here. City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.
