City of Galt Government News Digest

The Galt Police Department invites the public to a wreath-laying in honor of Officer Harminder Grewal at noon on Aug. 26.

The Galt City Council approved a request to demolish a historic but run-down house. Since it is on the city’s list of historic structures, special permission is needed to demolish it. The council also made an appointment to the Commission on Aging.

At its July 26 meeting, the Galt Parks and Recreation Commission discussed how to prioritize youth sports groups. Parks and Recreation Director Armando Solis said his department has developed a way for sports groups to reserve fields online.

During a public hearing to approve taxes for the city’s lighting and landscaping districts, members of the Galt City Council reiterated a desire to reform the districts, which fund maintenance for parks, landscaping and street lighting.

The Planning Commission unanimously voted against a request by a developer to redesign a planned subdivision originally approved by the Galt City Council in 2005. When complete, Morali Estates will comprise 50 single-family units.

Planning commissioners approved floor plan redesigns for the Parlin Oaks subdivision. They also signed off on a building expansion at the Twin Cities Road Walmart location, with provisions to limit vehicle noise for neighbors.

Galt City Council authorized the police to buy 10 additional license plate cameras. It also heard an appeal to fund a memorial to officer Harminder Grewal and approved the purchase of a mini excavator for drainage repairs.

After 13 years, developers and city leaders broke ground on an ambitious housing project. The Eastview/Liberty Ranch residential development is slated to bring nearly 1,500 single-family houses to northeast Galt.

Sacramento County will fully take over animal control services in Galt, and a leader of a local cat rescue expressed optimism about the change. The five-year contract went into effect on June 1.

The Galt City Council recently approved midterm budget adjustments that accounted for tax revenue that came in higher than expected. This has allowed for the development of new jobs, as well as expanding parks and recreation amenities.

The Galt Police Department is now home to its first female sergeant in over 40 years. Rachelle Hansen has been with the agency for nine years and has now been promoted to this position.

Public Works employees are getting recognition and praise from the city of Galt during a special week dedicated to them.

The Cosumnes Community Service District will have a new manager. Phil Lewis is slated to start managing the Cosumnes Fire Department and Elk Grove Parks and Recreation on May 16.

The Galt City Council recently considered ways to remedy the issue of litter left behind on the Galt Market grounds following events there. Vendors and the city waste official were asked for their feedback.

With Measure Q tax dollars within reach, the Galt City Council voted to use the funds to double Parks and Recreation staff, which will put them back at the numbers prior to 2019 budget cuts. The Council also rejected a bond proposal.

The Galt Planning Commission recently examined a proposal for a Walmart building expansion that would allot an additional 4,466 square feet of space to accommodate online orders, pickup, and delivery. No action was taken following the meeting.

With more and more residents voicing concern about Galt's homeless population, a new Mobile Crisis Team has been formed to deal with mental health situations. A Sacramento County social worker and Galt police officer recently shared recent developments.

With funds received from COVID-related relief grants, the city of Galt is planning multiple changes and improvements, including entertaining a tourism proposal from the Chamber of Commerce.

The city of Galt recently conducted a survey asking residents what retail destinations they would like to see come to town. The results showed Target as the number one desire “by a landslide.”

Mayor Jay Vandenburg spoke about the growth of the city's population and tourism industry at the most recent State of the City Luncheon on March 23.

Board will hire teacher to oversee students at Galt's alternative education center. The designated adult overseeing the classroom currently does not teach course subjects.

Multiple commenters, including local business owners, demanded action at the Jan. 17 meeting of the Galt City Council, saying the presence and behavior of homeless people had made them and their employees feel unsafe.

At its Jan. 17 meeting, the City Council will consider the request of two Wilton residents who own a dispensary in Davis and want to expand to Galt.

The Galt Joint Union High School District board signed off on an interim financial report at its Dec. 15 meeting, unanimously approving a resolution that lowered graduation credit requirements for the 2022-2023 school year.

Police Capt. Richard Small said law enforcement hasn’t been immune to the recent drop in the labor force. He hopes to draw candidates by covering education costs.

The Galt City Council picks Vandenburg; Paul Sandhu will continue as vice mayor. Council also approves higher garbage rates to begin Jan. 1.

Shawn Farmer, Paul Sandhu and Rich Lozano return to office. Measure Q, a 1 cent sales tax, is projected to raise $3.6 million for Galt.

Amid concerns about housing development, Public Works Director Mike Selling says wastewater facilities are adequate for the next few years. The new two-tier rate will be based on a lower rate for the first 900 cubic feet used.

The park honors Roy C. Marcum, shot and killed on duty in November 2012; dedication ceremony includes animal fair, K-9 unit demonstration and a speech by Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli.

Jan. 1 begins a new Cal-Waste recycling program in Galt, with “organics” cart for food waste. A new city contract approves a 20-acre waste transfer station; the council also approves raises for police, other unions contracted with city.