GALT, CA (MPG) - From rising costs for senior programs to a proposed housing incentive for city employees, Galt City Council heard reports and public input during its Sept. 2 meeting.

All members were present except Councilmember Bonnie Rodriguez.

Commission on Aging chair Joan Werblun presented the commission’s annual report, noting that rising costs have affected program expenses. She highlighted the weekly senior bingo’s popularity at the Chabolla Community Center, which draws about 87 participants every Monday. Prize costs have also risen.

New initiatives such as Walk in the Park and Talk with a Commissioner have helped strengthen community ties, according to Werblun. Thursday workshops have educated seniors on issues including scams targeting older residents.

Looking ahead, the commission wants to sponsor a booth at the Galt Market and launch a lottery system allowing residents to hold garage sales there, offering both extra income and space to declutter.

Planning Commission Chair Dan Denier also delivered his annual report, reviewing the commission’s work over the past fiscal year. The commission’s role is to align development projects with the city’s General Plan and ordinances, Denier emphasized, adding that the commissioners have been busy revising architectural plans for new developments.

Vice Mayor Paul Sandhu, a former planning commissioner, thanked Denier for his service. Mayor Shawn Farmer added his appreciation, noting that commissioners are often “in the trenches” of critical decisions that shape Galt’s future growth.

Denier, in turn, credited city staff for their support and praised the expertise of current commissioners.

During public comment, resident and former Commission on Aging board member Bob Balliet introduced the Helping Hand Association (HHA), where he serves as vice president. The nonprofit organization supports seniors, veterans and others in need across Galt and surrounding communities.

“Our present focus is on the seniors residing in the city’s low-income complexes,” Balliet said.

He urged the council to consider solutions presented in a proposed ordinance drafted by Helping Hand Association.

The ordinance calls for senior housing complexes to hold city business licenses, making them accountable to local codes. Violators could risk having their licenses revoked, which Balliet said would help protect “the safety, dignity and respect of this vulnerable part of the city’s residents.”

Helping Hand Association President Paul Salinas said the group was formed after hearing repeated concerns from seniors during his volunteer work with the Commission on Aging. Some residents fear retaliation if they report maintenance problems or alleged abuse, according to Salinas.

 

Helping Hand Association President Paul Salinas speaks during public comment at the Galt City Council meeting Sept. 2 about concerns at senior living complexes. 

“It is HHA’s understanding, rightly or wrongly, that senior tenants of an apartment complex are being intimidated from complaining, in fear of eviction,” Salinas said.

Salinas voiced support for the proposed ordinance, noting that while neither he nor Balliet are attorneys, they drew inspiration from similar measures in cities including Los Angeles, Berkeley, Santa Monica and Stockton.

“We’re not seeking rental control or creating barriers to an owner’s right to a free-market environment,” Salinas said. “What HHA seeks is a place that is safe, meets building code standards and provides a healthy, safe and crime-free environment.”

Councilmember Tim Reed requested the issue be added to the next agenda for further discussion.

The main City Council meeting discussion centered on a new Home Buying Assistance Program presented by Galt Human Resources directorTricia Cobey. The program sets aside $250,000 from the city budget to provide forgivable loans of up to $25,000 for full-time city employees purchasing a home in Galt.

The program was designed to address workforce challenges, Cobey said, noting that the city experienced a 20% turnover rate in 2024. Turnover not only leads to costly and time-consuming hiring processes but also lowers employee morale and disrupts city services, Cobey said.

By encouraging long-term commitment, the program is intended to improve retention and strengthen investment in Galt’s workforce.

Some councilmembers raised concerns about repayment if employees leave before the loans are forgiven. Farmer questioned whether the incentives were strong enough to encourage employees to stay and pushed for a longer probationary period. Sandhu agreed and said that repayment could be difficult if someone quits soon after receiving funds.

Farmer also raised concerns about the lack of interest tied to the loans, suggesting that in the event of default, the city should be able to recoup more than just the principal.

“I just don’t think anyone can go get money from anywhere without some kind of interest rate, and here we are offering to loan people money at no interest rate and forgive the entire loan, which is awesome,” Farmer said. “I like the idea behind it. But, if it doesn’t go well for us, I want some kind of safety net.”

City attorney Frank Splendorio clarified that the agreements already include repayment provisions but said penalty interest could be added in cases of default.

Public commenters suggested prioritizing departments with the highest turnover and allowing commuting employees to establish homes in Galt.

City Manager Chris Erias and Reed called the program an investment in employees, while Farmer reiterated his duty to safeguard taxpayer money.

City Council ultimately voted 4-0 to approve the program with two changes: defaulted loans will accrue interest at the market rate at the time of default, and staff will return in a few months with a progress report and recommendations if the program needs any modification.