Logo courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Citrus Heights City Council members at their Nov. 12 meeting considered a $1.47-million contract for design services with REY Engineering Inc. for the 2026 and 2027 Pavement Restoration projects. 

General Services Director Regina Cave said that the cost of the design service is already included in the project funding allocated in the current budget and the scope of work will be to “put together what we call the means and the methods, which are our construction documents to be able to put these projects out to bid.”

Staff were also able to add 32 streets to the plan, for an updated total of 254 streets, or 51.1 centerline miles, to be resurfaced throughout the city. Major arterials are planned for work in 2026, including Greenback Lane, Sylvan Road and Fair Oaks Boulevard. 

The council voted unanimously to approve the contract. 

The council also considered ideas to expand the city’s urban forest, which would provide numerous benefits, such as improved air quality, stormwater management, shade, habitat and property value enhancement. Staff presented potential programs to be funded through the city’s tree mitigation fund, which has a current balance of approximately $900,000.  

Community groups could apply for grants to plant trees in public spaces.  Residents with new babies would be eligible for a large-tree giveaway, providing immediate shade and aesthetic benefits to families. An urban forest photo contest, previously held in 2018, could be revived as an annual event to increase community engagement and raise awareness. 

There are also several sections of the Old Auburn Multi-Use Trail that lack adequate shade, so funding could be allocated to plant additional trees along the route. Many parking lots in the city also lack tree cover, so a matching grant program could assist commercial property owners in installing trees to increase the shade canopy, improving comfort and business appeal. 

Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa said the tree giveaway should also include those who buy a new home in the city. Vice Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff recommended that the photo contest have separate categories for youth, amateurs, and professionals. With council support for all the ideas, staff will create official policies for consideration at a future meeting. 

Council then discussed whether to enter into negotiations with Republic Services for a new 10-year service contract for residential garbage and recycling collection, or to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) to consider other providers. 

Citrus Heights has contracted with Republic Services for more than 20 years and residents currently have one of the lowest rates in the region, at around $33 per month for standard collection. The current contract ends in 2027, so the city can now enter a 60-day negotiation period with Republic Services, a process expected to cost the city $50,000. If an agreement is not reached during that time, a request for proposal can then be released at an estimated cost of $125,000. 

During public comments, some residents recommended moving forward with a request for proposal to ensure competition and encourage innovation. Representatives from other collection providers also supported a request for proposal as an opportunity to offer their services to the city. 

Many residents spoke in support of maintaining a contract with Republic Services. They said that the company is a valued community partner that supports the residents and provides excellent service with a high level of customer satisfaction. 

Councilmember Tim Schaefer recommended moving forward with a request for proposal, stating that it’s “good governance” to ensure the city is receiving the best price possible. Vice Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff agreed that a request for proposal would provide transparency and ensure fiscal prudence. 

Councilmembers Porsche Middleton and Kelsey Nelson, and Mayor Karpinski-Costa, suggested entering into the 60-day negotiation period with Republic Services to see what it will offer, and if the council is not satisfied with the proposed terms, then release the request for proposal and make comparisons. 

With council consensus to start negotiations, Schaefer requested that a 2x2 (two council members and two Republic Services representatives) committee take part in those negotiations to provide feedback on a potential contract prior to its consideration at a future council meeting. The council agreed and staff will begin the negotiation process. 

The Citrus Heights City Council will not hold a meeting on Nov. 26 due to the Thanksgiving holiday, so the next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 10.