The Citrus Heights City Council issued a proclamation recognizing National Public Works Week. From left are Councilmember Tim Schaefer, Councilmember Porsche Middleton, Vice-Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff, city engineer Leslie Blomquist, General Services Director Regina Cave, Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa and City Manager Ashley Feeney. Photo courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Presentations at the May 14 Citrus Heights City Council meeting recognized National Public Works Week and National Police Week. 

May 18 to 24 was National Public Works Week, and Vice-Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff read the proclamation:

“Public works professionals focus on infrastructure facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life, and wellbeing of the people of Citrus Heights,” said Lopez-Taff.

The city praised the dedicated efforts of public works professionals who “are responsible for rebuilding, improving, maintaining and protecting our nation’s transportation, water supply, water treatment and solid waste systems, public buildings, parks and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens.”

General Services Director Regina Cave accepted the proclamation.

“Our team takes a lot of pride in the services they provide to this wonderful community on a daily basis,” said Cave. “They are very dedicated, very hardworking.”

Councilmember Tim Schaefer thanked the “amazing” general services department for their hard work. Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa said Cave is a wonderful leader for the team, which handles so many essential services for the city. 

May 11 through 17 is National Police Week, and May 15 is Peace Officer Memorial Day, which Councilmember Schaefer said recognizes officers “who have lost their lives in the line of duty and for the safety and protection of others.”

Schaefer read the proclamation, stating that law enforcement officers safeguard “the rights and freedoms, which are guaranteed by the constitution, in protecting the lives and property of our citizens.” 

As members of this “noble profession,” police officers “have tremendous responsibilities, perilous challenges and a great importance to American society,” Schaefer read. He said their work changes lives in many ways by enhancing the security and wellbeing of Citrus Heights citizens. 

Special Operations Lt. William Dunning accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Citrus Heights Police Department (CHPD). He thanked the city for coming together to “honor the courage, service and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers.”

“It is a time that we remember the brave men and women who chose to run toward danger while others ran away. To honor those who stood as guardians of peace, protectors of our neighborhoods, and champions of justice. Their service reminds us that freedom, safety and justice often come with a heavy price,” Dunning said. “May we continue our commitment to supporting our officers, building an even stronger relationship between law enforcement and our community, and always remember the brave souls who laid down their life for the safety of others.”

The Citrus Heights City Council celebrated National Police Week and Peace Officer Memorial Day, issuing a proclamation honoring the dedicated service of the Citrus Heights Police Department (CHPD) and the officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Photo courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights

Vice-Mayor Lopez-Taff said that Citrus Heights Police Department officers are “top-notch. I just cannot thank you enough for doing what you do every day.” 

Councilmember Schafer said he prays every day that each officer goes home safely to their families and that he deeply admires their willingness to put their lives on the line. 

Mayor Karpinski-Costa said that Citrus Heights supports their police department and appreciates the risks they take every day. 

During public comment, a written statement was submitted to express concerns about how the Auburn Boulevard beautification project would impact businesses, particularly Riebes Auto Parts, since a proposed center divide would impede the large freight deliveries it receives every day. The comment was forwarded to the staff to follow up with the business owner. 

City Council then considered a resolution accepting the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funding for the Citrus Heights Police Department in the amount of $21,318. Operations Commander Mike Wells said that these federal funds are used to augment public safety expenditures and the Citrus Heights Police Department will use the funding to purchase and replace outdated portable radios. 

The resolution was approved 4-0, with Councilmember Kelsey Nelson absent. 

The council then considered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA) regarding coordination of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funding applications for Sacramento County. 

General Services Director Cave explained that this Memorandum of Understanding was the result of seven years of efforts to influence the allocation of State Transportation Improvement Program funding, which has been awarded through the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) as part of a competitive grant program.

Under the new Memorandum of Understanding, all jurisdictions within Sacramento County will be able to receive direct allocations in set amounts, in addition to the ability to apply for the competitive funding. Jurisdictions will also be able to loan their allocations to other areas that have shovel-ready projects, which will allow for flexibility while also maximizing the amount available for projects. 

The council voted to approve the Memorandum of Understanding. 

During City Manager Items, City Manager Ashley Feeney said that Citrus Heights is celebrating seven years as a designated Tree City. 

Feeney also announced that the road resurfacing project is starting along Sunrise Boulevard from Madison Avenue to Greenback Avenue, which will take approximately six weeks. He said it will be mostly night work, so there should only be minimal traffic impacts during the day. 

The next Citrus Heights City Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 28.