During a recent city council meeting, key discussions centered around public safety, community events, and infrastructure improvements in Citrus Heights.

Council member Middleton reported on his participation in the National League of Cities conference, where he focused on public safety policies, including crime prevention and disaster preparedness. He emphasized the need for federal disaster relief funds to be allocated directly to local municipalities, rather than being filtered through state channels.

Concerns regarding local infrastructure were raised by resident Rick Hochkins, who questioned whether funding from Senate Bill 1 would cover crosswalks and audible signals at traffic lights in Citrus Heights. He highlighted a lack of visible crosswalk lines on Sunrise Boulevard, which raised safety concerns for pedestrians.

Council member Ta shared positive community engagement experiences, including a visit to the Woodside Community Garden, where children learned about healthy eating through a fruit salad made from their harvest. She also noted a decrease in homelessness based on recent point-in-time count data.

The council discussed the importance of maintaining public safety personnel amid rising challenges such as fentanyl use and homelessness. Council member Schaffer highlighted the city's budget constraints compared to larger municipalities, stressing the need for fiscal prudence in addressing community needs.

Vice Mayor Karpinski Foskow reported on a significant sewer project aimed at recycling treated water for agricultural use, which is expected to cost $600 million, with $330 million already secured in grants. He also reminded residents about mosquito control efforts following the detection of positive mosquito samples in the area.

The meeting concluded with a recap of successful community events, including the City Scoop, which attracted around 400 attendees, showcasing the growing interest in local initiatives. The council encouraged continued community participation in upcoming events, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement in addressing local issues.