Council narrowly approves direction to negotiate SACOG 'Green Means Go' grant amendment amid preservation concerns

The Isleton City Council voted 4-1 to direct staff to negotiate an amendment with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) to accept regional funding under the "Green Means Go" program for zoning and regulatory work.

Consultant Gary Price and staff described the amendment as a way to fund zoning-code amendments tied to the city's housing element obligations, saying the funding would prevent the cost from coming out of the general fund. Price explained, "Well, we would end up having to pay for it out of our general fund," underscoring the grant's role in avoiding local expenditures. Several residents and preservation advocates urged caution, arguing the grant's scope could target Main Street and risk the city's historic-district protections. One public commenter said earlier studies already covered much of the work and warned against paying outside consultants to redo past reports.

After public comment and staff responses, Councilmember Suarez moved to direct staff to negotiate the amendment and Councilmember Boulihan seconded. The roll call showed Councilmember Suarez, Councilmember Boulihan and Vice Mayor Kent voting yes; Mayor Walton voted no. The motion carried 4-1. Staff said the direction authorizes negotiation and further review, not automatic acceptance of any contract or final code changes.

Council and staff agreed any final zoning or code changes would return to the council for approval and that public workshops and a request for proposals would be used if consultant work proceeds.