Board Chambers Meetings

Sacramento County

Providing and distributing programming of interest to residents that will inform, educate, and enlighten, as well as encourage participation in government services, activities, and decision-making. Expanding citizen awareness of government and its decision-making processes by exposing citizens to live and tape delayed government meetings. Enhancing existing public information materials and use cable television as a public information tool. Providing information about programs and services offered by government departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and government-supported agencies.

  1. 2d ago

    Planning Commission - 6/22/26

    The Sacramento County Planning Commission meeting on June 22, 2026, primarily focused on an appeal regarding a temporary use permit for an equestrian facility and updates on significant countywide planning projects. Planning Director’s Report Director Smith provided several key updates regarding recent Board of Supervisors actions and upcoming agendas: Major Project Approvals: The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Upper West Side Specific Plan and the Crowing Fowl Ordinance on June 16, 2026. The county is now working with Code Enforcement and Animal Care on an enforcement plan for problematic properties under the new rooster regulations. New Public Participation Rules: Starting July 13, the commission will begin accepting public speakers via Zoom in compliance with new legislative requirements. El Frenito Horse Training Facility Appeal The central item of the meeting was an appeal by the El Frenito horse training facility located on Renke Road. The owners sought to overturn the denial of a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) to host events in 2026. Staff Recommendation for Denial: Planning staff and the Zoning Administrator recommended upholding the denial based on a significant history of non-compliance during the previous two years of permitted events. Key violations cited included: Unpermitted Events: Evidence from Facebook advertisements and alcohol license records showed events occurring on dates not authorized by the TUP. Lack of Licensing: The business failed to obtain a required business license for its primary operations. Safety and Community Impacts: Neighbors reported issues with noise, trash, speeding, and public intoxication. Additionally, the owners failed to provide mandatory prior notifications to the Sheriff’s Department before events. Lack of Engagement: The property owners failed to attend a follow-up meeting with the District Attorney's office to address these ongoing public nuisance concerns. Applicant’s Argument: The property owners and their new representative (a real estate agent) argued that the previous non-compliance was due to language barriers and the actions of a former associate who had been "taking advantage" of them. They testified that: They are experienced business owners who run a successful restaurant franchise and were now committed to following all laws. The facility is intended for traditional horse training and cultural rodeo events rather than large-scale commercial concerts. They were unaware of some meetings and specific licensing requirements due to poor communication from their previous representative. Commission Deliberation and Decision: Commissioners expressed sympathy regarding the language barriers but emphasized that the ultimate responsibility for compliance rests with the property owners. While some members initially considered granting the permit with strict conditions—such as a reduced number of events, a mandatory parking plan, and security requirements—the majority felt the history of violations was too significant to ignore. The Commission voted to deny the appeal, upholding the denial of the 2026 TUP. However, they modified the final written findings to include "non-prejudicial" language. This ensures that the denial does not automatically jeopardize future applications, such as a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a permanent event center, provided the owners can demonstrate a record of compliance moving forward. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

    2h 14m
  2. 3d ago

    STA - 6/18/26

    The Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA) meeting on June 18, 2026, focused on the adoption of the annual budget, a significant performance audit of Measure A funds, and the advancement of a major toll lane project on Interstate 5. Measure A Smart Growth Funds and Oversight A major point of discussion involved Item 5, the strategy for allocating Measure A Smart Growth Funds. Allocation Strategy: The Board debated a formulaic approach that provides each agency with a set-aside for projects, compared to a competitive "first come-first serve" pot. Executive Director Kevin Bewsey noted that 22.5% of these funds are specifically set aside for transit, with the remaining 77.5% going to cities and counties. Procedural Delay: An initial motion to approve this approach failed. However, after a motion to reconsider was passed to ensure agencies did not miss July grant deadlines, the item was ultimately approved. Budget and Performance Audit FY 2026-27 Final Budget: The Board unanimously adopted a balanced final budget for the upcoming fiscal year . CFO Dustin Purinton stated there were no material changes since the preliminary budget was seen in May . Compliance Audit: The Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee (ITOC) presented a two-year performance and compliance audit. While no "significant findings" were identified overall, there were specific exceptions: City of Isleton: Could not provide support for testing due to total staff turnover; their funds may be escrowed if they do not come into compliance by June 2027. Cities of Folsom and Sacramento: Noted for "reporting mismatches" between their records and STA data. I-5 Managed Lanes Project The Board authorized several actions to advance the I-5 Managed Lanes Project, which aims to add a High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane from downtown Sacramento to the International Airport. Project Function: Under the "HOT 3+" model, vehicles with three or more occupants can use the lane for free, while others have the option to pay a variable toll based on miles traveled. Regional Coordination: The project is a partnership between Caltrans, SACOG, STA, and CARTA (Capital Area Regional Tolling Authority), which will operate the tolling component. Board Concerns: Directors discussed the importance of equity studies and the need to coordinate this project with studies regarding the potential "covering" of I-5 near the Crocker Art Museum. Executive Director’s Report Executive Director Kevin Bewsey highlighted ongoing efforts to engage the community and secure regional funding: Community Listening Sessions: STA is conducting sessions in areas like Arden Arcade, Folsom, and Rancho Cordova to identify local transportation priorities and educate the public on declining gas tax revenues and high construction costs . Grant Applications: STA is coordinating regional applications for Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) programs due in November, including a multimodal project for the US-50 corridor and a $115 million application for the Placer-Sacramento Gateway . The meeting adjourned at 2:24 PM .

    50 min
  3. 3d ago

    SAFCA - 6/18/26

    The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA) Board of Directors meeting on June 18, 2026, focused on the adoption of the annual budget, a report on staff vacancies, and the approval of resolutions for property acquisitions related to levee improvements. Staff Vacancies and Recruitment The Board reviewed the annual report on staff vacancies, recruitment, and retention as required under AB-2561. Executive Director Jason Campbell reported an overall vacancy rate of 11% for the period of June 2025 through May 2026. Because the vacancy rate did not exceed the 20% threshold in any bargaining unit, no changes to existing policies or recruitment goals were triggered. The Board unanimously approved the report. FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget The Board held a public hearing and adopted Resolution 2026-059 for the $104 million recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Key financial highlights include: Capital Program: A large portion of the budget, approximately $70.6 million, is dedicated to capital projects, including real estate and utility relocations. Reserves and Contingencies: The agency maintains $11.45 million in general reserves (roughly 11% of the budget) and a 5% contingency built into the funds. Funding Sources: Revenue includes anticipated bond proceeds of over $50 million and $16 million in state reimbursements. Project Focus: Approximately 80% of project spending is associated with the American River Common Features and Natomas projects. Resolutions of Necessity (Eminent Domain) The Board considered two Resolutions of Necessity for properties required for the Natomas Levee Improvements project. These resolutions are required to initiate eminent domain proceedings if a voluntary agreement cannot be reached by June 30, 2026. 5625 East Levee Road: This acquisition involves fee interest and easements for the West Levee component of the project. An initial vote failed to meet the required two-thirds (nine-member) threshold because the Board was one vote short of the necessary quorum for such an action. 5311 East Levee Road: Similar to the first property, this acquisition is for levee widening and seepage berm construction. To resolve the quorum issue for these high-threshold votes, the Board took a 15-minute recess to wait for the arrival of Director Pluckebaum. Upon his arrival, the Board reconsidered and approved both resolutions with nine votes, while Director Muñoz abstained from both items. Staff emphasized that negotiations with the property owners would continue even as the legal proceedings were initiated. Administrative Matters Consent Calendar: Items 1 through 16 were approved unanimously without being pulled for separate discussion. Closed Session: The Board chose to forego a scheduled closed session as the items had been heard previously on multiple occasions. Next Meeting: The next SAFCA Board meeting is scheduled for July 16, 2026.

    36 min
  4. 3d ago

    SacSewer - 6/17/26

    The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) Board of Directors meeting on June 17, 2026, focused on the adoption of the annual budget, significant ordinance changes, and a long-term strategy to address ongoing board quorum issues. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Final Budget The Board unanimously approved (12-0) a $372 million operating budget and a  $486 million capital budget. Funding and Reserves: District Engineer Christoph Dobson clarified that new positions are funded through operating revenues rather than reserves. Bond Adjustment: Bond revenues on the treatment side were reduced from $150 million to $100 million because the district received over $50 million in state grant funding for the Harvest Water project. Salinity Concerns: In response to inquiries about generating chlorine on-site to save costs, staff explained that this would create waste salt streams that would increase salinity in the Delta, potentially violating the district’s permits and environmental values. Ordinance and Contract Approvals Consolidated Ordinance: The Board adopted amendments to combine the previous treatment and collections ordinances into one unified SacSewer ordinance. The new rules update industrial impact fees for consistency and lower liquid waste haul rates to incentivize haulers to bring waste directly to the treatment plant. Sedimentation Tank Project: A $3.448 million contract was awarded for the rehabilitation of secondary sedimentation tanks 10 and 16. Bid Protest: The Board overruled a formal protest from Euro Style Management, which argued the low bidder lacked specific experience in municipal wastewater facilities. Staff and County Counsel maintained that the low bidder’s experience with other public agencies was equivalent in magnitude and character, making the bid responsive. Board Quorum and Governance Challenges The Board held an extensive discussion regarding frequent difficulties in reaching a quorum for its 17-member body. Structural Issues: Because the five Sacramento County Supervisors are members by default and have no alternates, their absence—combined with current vacancies in the City of Sacramento—frequently puts the board at risk of being unable to conduct business. Potential Solutions: Suggestions included moving to a different time slot or location, though Director Dickinson cautioned that moving meetings away from the City Council Chambers would increase costs due to declining cable television revenues. Ad Hoc Committee: The Board signaled support for forming an ad hoc committee to study governance changes, such as creating a tiered membership system or allowing high-level staff to serve as alternates, which would require state legislation. Harvest Water Project Update Staff provided a quarterly report on the Harvest Water program, which is now 80% grant-funded ($417 million in total awards). Construction Progress: Pipeline construction is largely complete, including street surfacing in Elk Grove and the south county area. Pump Delay: The main pumping station faces a schedule slip; delivery of large, complicated pumps is now expected in November 2026 due to fabrication challenges. Commissioning is targeted for early 2027 with water delivery beginning in May 2027. Ecological Benefits: The district is conducting "crane forage field trials" to study how inundating fields for bird habitats affects water seepage and mineral levels. Administrative and Personnel District Engineer Dobson introduced two new section managers: Pat Flaherty (Risk Manager), who previously served the City of Sacramento for 20 years, and Chris Borders (Human Resources Manager), a 15-year public sector veteran. The meeting was adjourned at the conclusion of these matters.

    55 min
  5. 3d ago

    Board of Supervisors - 6/16/26

    The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 16, 2026, was highlighted by the unanimous approval of a massive new development in Natomas, a move to reconsider recent budget cuts to public safety, and the adoption of new urban water management plans. The Upper West Side Specific Plan The most significant item was the approval of the Upper West Side Specific Plan, a decade-long planning effort for a ~2,066-acre site in the Natomas Basin. Project Scope: The plan envisions 9,356 residential units across a full range of densities, including a "missing middle" incentive program for duplexes and fourplexes. Design & Amenities: Features include a vertically integrated Town Center (compared to "Santana Row"), the linear Westside Canal for recreation, and a mobility hub to support transit and multi-modal travel. The project scored a record 24 out of 24 points on the region's "Blueprint" smart growth principles. Sustainability: It is designed as an all-electric, carbon-neutral community. The Board added a requirement for a $500,000 public art endowment. Key Controversies & Amendments: Traffic: To address resident concerns about the Garden Highway, the Board adopted "Alternative 5," which eliminates the Radio Road extension except for emergency vehicle access (EVA) and mandates a roadway safety audit and traffic-calming measures. Habitat: While the county is not a signatory to the Natomas Basin Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), the project will provide mitigation at ratios of 1.5 to 2 times higher than those required by the HCP. Water: Because the City of Sacramento declined to provide water, the project will use an alternative supply through the Natomas Central Mutual Water Company, contingent on state approval to convert agricultural water rights to municipal use. Schools: A funding gap for school construction remains; the project is conditioned to continue negotiations with the Natomas Unified School District to bridge this gap. Public Safety and Budget Reconsideration During public comments, numerous residents and business owners expressed strong opposition to proposed $5.2 million in budget cuts for the Sheriff's Office and District Attorney. They argued that losing "Problem Oriented Policing" (POP) and "Homeless Outreach" (HOT) teams would devastate small businesses and public safety. In response, the Board voted 4-1 (with Supervisor Serna dissenting) to reconsider aspects of the budget previously decided on June 10, citing a potentially "rosier" outcome for state funding. Consent and Administrative Actions Crowing Fowl Ordinance: The Board formally adopted the ordinance regulating the keeping of roosters in residential areas. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Grants: The Board approved 101 grants totaling $1 million for local non-profits, including youth leadership programs like "Classy Inc." and the "Manna Food Bank". Water Management: Acting as the Sacramento Water Agency, the Board adopted the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and a revised Water Shortage Contingency Plan, which includes six levels of shortage response. Development Fees: The Board approved expanding the Impact Fee Deferral Program (implementing SB 937) to all residential projects to encourage housing production. The meeting concluded with a recognition of Juneteenth and adjourned at 6:34 PM.

  6. Jun 15

    Board of Supervisors Budget Meeting - 6/10/26

    The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 10, 2026, was primarily focused on the revision and approval of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Recommended Budget and the five-year Capital Improvement Plan. The meeting featured a detailed presentation by the County Executive and Chief Fiscal Officer, followed by reports from seven key departments and extensive public testimony. Fiscal Overview and Challenges Chief Fiscal Officer Amanda Thomas presented an $8.9 Billion all-funds spending plan, which represented a $101 million operating deficit driven by two primary factors: Structural Deficit: The ongoing reliance on one-time funding to pay for continuing costs. Federal HR 1 Impacts: Changes at the federal level that shifted approximately $50 million in costs to the county, particularly regarding Med-Cal eligibility, indigent care, and CalFresh administrative costs. To address the shortfall, the Board had previously directed departments to implement a 2.5% initial allocation reduction. Departmental Budget Presentations District Attorney (Tan Ho): Ho opposed a proposed $4.1 million reduction (14 positions), arguing his office was already "running on fumes". He emphasized that "vacant" positions were actually committed to law students slated to pass the bar and that cuts would force him to scale back misdemeanor prosecutions and the Community Prosecution unit. Sheriff’s Office (Jim Cooper): The Sheriff contested a $13.7 million reduction (48 positions), asserting that while "core functions" like jails and contracts were mandated, the cuts would decimate "non-core" but vital public safety units such as POP (Problem Oriented Policing), HOT (Homeless Outreach Team), and Marine Enforcement. He highlighted that the county already has the fewest officers per capita in the region and response times are double the national average. Public Defender (Amanda Benson): Benson reported a 20% increase in criminal filings and a 300% increase in City Attorney cases. She warned that cutting mental health diversion and post-conviction representation units would lead to caseload overloads and increased county liability. Regional Parks (Liz Bellis): Bellis noted that while the park system has grown 70% in acreage since 1991, permanent staff has decreased by 15%. Proposed cuts included three park rangers (a 17% reduction to the Parkway patrol) and a 46% reduction in extra-help seasonal staff. Human Assistance (Ethan Dye): Dye focused on the impacts of HR 1 on CalFresh, noting that every dollar spent by the county now only draws down $3.44 in state/federal funds, compared to $5.67 previously. Health Services (Tim Letts): This department accounts for 70% of health spending via Behavioral Health. Letts highlighted growth for a new youth facility but noted intense pressure from the Mays Consent Decree, which requires significant staffing and infrastructure investments in correctional health. Public Comment and Deliberations Over 120 residents and officials provided testimony. Business leaders and community members strongly advocated for restoring the Sheriff’s HOT and POP teams and the DA’s Community Prosecutors, citing their effectiveness in addressing retail theft and homelessness. Conversely, many community advocates urged the Board to maintain the DA and Sheriff cuts, suggesting the DA could save millions by ending the pursuit of the death penalty. Others pleaded for the restoration of foster youth transportation (Hop Skip Drive) and prevention programs like Birth and BEYOND. Final Board Actions After extensive debate regarding the use of the 9.9 million in funding: Sheriff’s Office: Restored funding for the Marine and HOT teams ($7,894,989), but notably did not include the POP team. District Attorney: Restored four Community Prosecutor positions (~$1.37 million) contingent on an MOU to ensure the funds are used for that specific purpose. Public Defender: Restored funding for critical caseload support ($649,076). The Board agreed to revisit other high-priority "prevention" programs—including foster youth transportation, Birth and BEYOND, and public health initiatives—during the September budget revision when final state funding numbers are clearer. The final action left the county with a remaining contingency of $6,330,683.

  7. Jun 15

    Board of Supervisors - 6/9/26

    The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 9, 2026, covered a wide range of topics, including public health updates, significant policy changes regarding behavioral health and homelessness, and new regulations for animal keeping. Community and Public Health Presentations The meeting began with an adoptable pet update, featuring a six-month-old dog named Penelope Le Piu from the Bradshaw Animal Shelter. The shelter reported a successful "California Adopt a Pet Day," with 68 pets adopted in a single day. The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District provided its annual presentation, emphasizing the management of West Nile Virus. Manager Gary Goodman highlighted the use of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), which involves releasing male mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria to reduce the population; this program is expanding to 120 acres in the Rosemont area this year. Additionally, the department promoted Family Health and Fitness Day (the second Saturday in June), which includes activities such as nature walks, yoga, and trail accessibility equipment demonstrations. Public Comment Highlights Wesley Trummel praised the Parks and Recreation commissioners but urged the Board to protect the park system’s budget during upcoming deliberations. Darryl Turrell, a Riverside County resident, advocated for an ordinance to curb catalytic converter theft, proposing a "one and you're done" policy to hold thieves accountable. Edrick Brown shared his personal journey of rehabilitation after a 23-year prison sentence and introduced "Public Bridge," a program aimed at "rewiring" youth to prevent them from entering the justice system. Behavioral Health and Homelessness A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Integrated Plan for FY 2026-29. This new plan, mandated by Proposition 1, shifts prevention funding to the state and requires the county to allocate 30% of its BHSA funds to housing interventions. The Board discussed the "sunsetting" of several local programs to meet these new funding requirements, though they committed to a temporary contract with WellSpace to maintain the 988 suicide prevention line until state funding is clarified. The 2026 Homeless Point-in-Time (PIT) Count results sparked intense debate. While the county saw an overall 13% increase in homelessness, the unincorporated area experienced a 130% increase. Board members expressed deep frustration with the "slow pace" of county action and the perceived failure of current strategies. Chair Rodriguez explicitly called for a change in leadership and a forensic audit of homeless spending, stating that the county lacks a clear vision and a sense of urgency. Ordinances and Public Safety Crowing Fowl Ordinance: The Board introduced amendments to regulate roosters in urban and suburban areas. Prompted by over 800 complaints regarding noise and inhumane conditions like tethering, the new rules set maximum limits based on lot size and include a registration process for legitimate hobbyists. Music Festival Agreement: The Board approved a 10-year agreement with Danny Wimmer Presents to keep major music festivals like Aftershock and Golden Sky at Discovery Park. Tourism and hotel representatives testified that these events generate millions in economic impact and significant hotel tax revenue. Military Equipment (AB 481): The Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney, Probation, and Park Rangers presented their annual military equipment reports. The Sheriff’s Office requested authorization to eventually replace its 2008 Bearcat armored vehicle, which has reached the end of its 20-year lifespan. Public Meeting Disruptions: In compliance with SB 707, the Board adopted new procedures for handling service disruptions during remote public participation, including a mandatory one-hour minimum recess if the telephonic or audio-visual systems fail. Administrative and Closing Matters The Board approved several consent items, including a $10 million amendment for architectural services at the Sacramento International Airport due to unforeseen underground conditions and FAA line-of-sight issues. The meeting concluded with a reminder of the county's illegal fireworks campaign, featuring increased fees and a 311 reporting system, and an adjournment in honor of Joaquin Razzo, a dedicated community volunteer and singer.

    4h 23m
  8. Jun 9

    Planning Commission - 6/8/26

    The Sacramento County Planning Commission meeting on June 8, 2026, focused on approving development projects in the Vineyard community, a new disguised wireless facility in Rio Linda, and a comprehensive, decade-in-the-making update to the county's zoning code.   Development and Land Use Approvals The Commission quickly approved two non-contested items in the Vineyard community: Morabi Singh Subdivision: A vesting map and rezone for a property at 9494 Florin Road. The project included minor condition revisions related to public utility easements with SMUD. The Chair noted the project's proximity to a future school site at Dawn and Brendan Natoli Park. Carly Mine Amendment: A use permit and reclamation plan amendment to allow mining on an additional 11 acres at 6875 Eagle's Nest Road. Both Vineyard items passed unanimously without public comment. AT&T Wireless Communication Facility The Commission approved a conditional use permit for a new wireless facility at 8040 16th Street in the Rio Linda/Elverta community. Design and Aesthetics: To address community concerns about aesthetics, the 55-foot cell tower is disguised as a water tank made of reinforced fiber plastic (RFP) to allow signal transparency. Coverage and Capacity: The tower fills a significant coverage gap and includes "FirstNet" capabilities for first responders. While the current design accommodates two carriers, staff noted that by right, the applicant could increase the height by up to 20 feet in the future to allow for more collocation. Public Feedback: While the local Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC) supported the project, some residents expressed concerns about the tower's proximity to their homes and its visual impact. 2023 Zoning Code Update A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recommending a massive update to Chapters 1-7 of the Sacramento County Zoning Code. This update, the most substantial since 2015, includes 134 amendments based on a decade of stakeholder feedback.   Key Changes Include: Residential Improvements: Increasing the allowed height for accessory structures (like boat or RV storage) to 24 feet and modernizing "home occupation" rules to account for contemporary "side hustles." Business Streamlining: Reducing barriers for small tutoring/testing centers, permitting arcades by right, and renaming tattoo shops to "body art facilities" with lower hearing body requirements. Temporary Uses: Expanding allowances for food trucks on private property and allowing large shopping centers (15+ acres) to host temporary events for up to 30 days per year. Agricultural Support: Allowing commercial vehicle storage on agricultural sites of at least 20 acres to support farm operations. State Mandates: Implementing "express processing" for state and federal mandates (such as housing and ADU laws) to bypass lengthy CPAC reviews while still providing advanced public notice. Commissioners emphasized the need for balanced enforcement, particularly regarding mobile food vendors and home-based "microenterprise" kitchens, to ensure they do not unfairly disadvantage traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants.   Director's Report and Future Items Planning Director Todd Smith highlighted several upcoming high-profile items: Crowing Fowl Ordinance: Moving to the Board of Supervisors following collaborative meetings with the Hmong community. Upper Westside Specific Plan: Scheduled for a major Board hearing on June 16, 2026. Upcoming Appeals: Future agendas will include appeals regarding a temporary use permit denial and the Ezaron parcel map. The meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.

    1h 3m

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About

Providing and distributing programming of interest to residents that will inform, educate, and enlighten, as well as encourage participation in government services, activities, and decision-making. Expanding citizen awareness of government and its decision-making processes by exposing citizens to live and tape delayed government meetings. Enhancing existing public information materials and use cable television as a public information tool. Providing information about programs and services offered by government departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and government-supported agencies.