Lincoln · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lincoln public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Cell coverage dead zones in Verdera and Twelve Bridges
Residents in Verdera, Twelve Bridges, and parts of Sun City have dealt with terrible cell service for years. The new city-built tower should fix much of that, and leasing space to carriers could bring in around $10,000 a month to offset costs.
Airport Road fire access and RV storage concerns
A resident warned that hundreds of RVs stored at the end of narrow, 12-foot-wide Airport Road could block emergency vehicles and pose a fire hazard. The city manager said code enforcement cases are active and the fire chief confirmed a type three engine can currently reach the area.
Measure F half-cent sales tax measure
The half-cent sales tax on November's ballot would raise about $6 million a year for police, fire and paramedic services, costing the average family roughly $140 a year. It has no sunset, and the city plans an oversight committee and annual report card if it passes.
Code Enforcement and Weekend Regulation of Mobile Food Vendors
Residents and commissioners raised concerns about unauthorized roadside food trucks and pop-up stands. City staff announced that management is evaluating weekend code enforcement schedules to better address these violations.
McBean Stadium Outfield Safety Netting
The city is installing taller outfield safety netting at McBean Stadium to prevent baseballs from flying into neighboring backyards and endangering residents.
Police Department Leadership Transition
Longtime Police Chief Matt Alves is retiring after 27 years with the department, and Captain Zach Eaton has been appointed as the new police chief.
Placer County Grand Jury Response on City Responsiveness
The city responded to grand jury critiques regarding phone and email responsiveness, defending staff workload while committing to ongoing customer service standards.
Proposed Cell Tower Project Near 12 Bridges Elementary
Residents voiced strong opposition during public comment regarding a potential cell tower near 12 Bridges Elementary School and local residential neighborhoods, citing property value concerns, safety, and environmental impacts. City staff clarified that while a lease agreement was signed, the project review deadline was extended to February 2027 and it is not a finalized deal.
Illegal Fireworks Enforcement
Residents raised safety concerns regarding widespread illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday. City leadership discussed current enforcement limitations and proposed exploring social host ordinances and steeper fines for future years.
Animal Control Contract Renewal and Future In-House Operations
The city is updating its zoning rules to allow doggy daycares and pet boarding businesses in commercial and light industrial zones. Previously, kennels were restricted exclusively to licensed veterinarians, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to open pet care facilities.
Public Safety Staffing and Advanced Life Support (ALS) Implementation
Police and fire chiefs highlighted critical staffing shortages and the lack of advanced life support (ALS) paramedics on fire engines, noting reliance on for-profit ambulance services. Additional funding is needed to hire sworn officers and firefighters.
Abandoned Construction Site Safety Concern
Residents raised urgent safety concerns about exposed rebar and a deep drop-off at an abandoned construction site near e-bike routes and schools. City staff noted they are investigating security bonds to fund temporary and permanent safety fixes.
E-Bike Safety and Traffic Enforcement
The city is moving to crack down on reckless e-bike and e-scooter riding on sidewalks and walking trails by introducing new safety rules and a $50 fine for violations.
Fleet Procurement and Environmental Compliance
The city is adjusting its fleet strategy to balance state environmental mandates with operational reliability, opting for a street sweeper over an electric garbage truck.
Firefighters Union Successor MOU
The council approved a new 15-month labor agreement with local firefighters, providing modest wage increases and increased bilingual pay while addressing long-term costs.
Public Safety Ranking and Police Facility Needs
City officials celebrated Lincoln being ranked the third safest city in California by SafeWise, while residents urged the council to plan for a new police station to keep pace with growth.
Reserve Fire Inspector Positions
The city established five reserve fire inspector positions with a $150 monthly stipend to help handle growing commercial and residential inspection demands.
Citywide Grazing Program Contract
The city approved a five-year contract with Integrazers for sheep and goat grazing to clear dry brush and prevent wildfires, supported by a $125,000 budget augmentation.
Council Chambers Remodel and Technology Upgrade
The council approved spending $300,000—mostly from restricted cable PEG funds—to overhaul the council chambers with better seating, lighting, and streaming technology.
Tobacco and Vape Retailer Regulations
The city is considering new rules to license vape shops, ban items like kratom and whippets, and penalize minors possessing nicotine products. The item was delayed to March for further review on distance buffers.
Council Member Conduct and Censure Discussion
Residents and community members packed the meeting to debate whether Council Member Holly Andreatta should be censured for controversial statements made during a high school student club meeting. Supporters defended her First Amendment rights, while critics argued her remarks caused harm and violated the city's code of ethics.