Council declines to authorize full fence replacement at Slough Stiggen site; seeks further preservation review

The Folsom City Council rejected a staff resolution to authorize a contract for full replacement of the wrought‑iron fence at the Slough Stiggen (Natomas Luce digging) historic site and asked staff to revisit preservation options and procurement documentation.

Staff presented a proposal to award a contract to SNS Fence Company to replace damaged fencing at the Slough Stiggen site behind the movie theater near the Larkspur Hotel. The item drew public comment from James Tedford, who said the agenda packet lacked the procurement waiver documentation that justified a limited or sole‑source procurement; he asked the council to include that documentation with similar future items.

Council members and staff discussed the site’s status under the parks master plan, potential liability and the balance of priorities. The city manager and staff noted concerns — including that fences could impede emergency access in the event of a fire — and said additional review of preservation methods and priorities was warranted.

Staff ultimately recommended the council reject the resolution to proceed with the fence contract. Council voted to reject the proposed contract authorization by roll call; the council’s action means staff will not move forward with the SNS Fence Company contract as presented and will return with further analysis and options.

Tedford also requested procurement backup documentation be included in future packets for any proposed waiver of the standard bid process. The council’s discussion included possible interim repairs and a further preservation review to identify alternatives that may better protect on‑site artifacts and address liability, rather than a single full replacement contract.