ASCALON
MINUTES
CALIFORNIA
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
STEPPING STON MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2023
CENTRAL
City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue -7:00 P.M.
Additional venue GoToMeeting # 1(408)650-3123 Access Code: 323-691-381 Beginning Resolution No. 04-23
Beginning Ordinance No. 591
Beginning Minute Order No. 15-23
PRESENT: Mayor David Bellinger
Mayor Pro Tem Andrew Thomas Hagan
Councilmember Jeremy Engle
Councilmember Malinda Walker
Councilmember Shawn Strohman
STAFF PRESENT: Dominique Romo, City Manager/City Clerk
Sopheap Dong-Carreon, Finance Director/HR Administrator Gustavo Flores, Chief of Police
Courtney Richmond, Deputy City Clerk
Frank Splendorio, City Attorney
CONSENT CALANDAR
1. Approve the Minutes from the Special Meeting of February 27, 2023 and from the Regular Meeting of March 6, 2023.
2. Approve the Register of Demands for March 14, 2023 in the amount of $ 335,273.66.
MOTION - It is moved/seconded by STROHMAN/HAGAN that Consent Calendar be approved as presented Motion carried unanimously (5-0). MINUTE ORDER 15-23
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES
3. a. Treasurer's Report for February
b. Animal Control Report for February
C. Recreation Report for February
d. Development Services Report for February
Public Works Report for February
f. Building Department Report for February
g. Water Department Report for February
h. Wastewater Treatment Plant Report for February
MINUTES
Escalon City Council
March 20, 2023
Councilmember Walker asked for the historical depths of water records for wells to compare to current depth level.
Chief of Police Gustavo Flores advised Council that the radar trailer was received. Chief Flores stated the trailer is being assembled and its first location of operation will be on Deborah Circle later this week.
Finance Director Sopheap Dong-Carreon advised Council that there were no updates to Treasurer's Report since last meeting, and that in accordance with the adopted current water rate study, the water rates were increased in the March billing. Customers were notified in March newsletter, as well as in January when the City mailed out the 2023 Service Guide.
City Manager Dominique Romo added that the annual water rate increases are in the 4'h year of the five-year study.
Councilmember Strohman asked Chief Flores if residents can request radar trailer be placed in their neighborhoods.
Chief Flores stated that residents could fill out a request for radar trailer at the Police Department.
City Manager Romo directed Council to complete and submit their annual Form 700 by April 3 and provided an update on Liberty Business Park (LBP).
City Manager Romo also advised the League of California Cities is requesting letters in opposition of SB35/SB423.
Council gave consensus to staff to submit an opposition letter to SB35/SB423 be drafted and submit it to the League of California Cities.
City Manager Romo inquired with Council whether they would support a letter or resolution be sent to the Housing & Community Development (HCD) requesting an investigation into resident's claims regarding rent increases at the mobile home park not being in accordance with state law.
Councilmember Strohman asked if both a formal complaint and a letter to the HCD could be drafted.
City Attorney Frank Splendorio responded by stating that both a formal complaint and a letter could be submitted and that he would work with City Manager Romo.
City Manager Romo stated that she could add this matter to the next agenda if desired.
City Manager Romo then advised that the City currently has no policy on council members having a city issued cellphones and asked if there is interest in discussing this matter at the next meeting, as members of council are interested in a city issued phone.
Council gave consensus to have staff draft a policy and bring back at next meeting.
MINUTES
Escalon City Council
March 20, 2023
4. Update from Commission on Aging Representative Ann Shaddix Update from Commission on Aging Representative Ann Shaddix where she provided a brochure with resources for seniors.
MATTERS PRESENTED FROM THE AUDIENCE
The public may address the City Council on any item that is on the Agenda at the time the item is called. The public may also address the City Council on any item not on the Agenda that is within the subject matter of the City of Escalon. Each speaker is limited to a maximum of five (5) minutes. Unused time may not be yielded to another speaker. You may state your name and address for the record; however, it is not required.
Due to state law, action will not be taken on an item that is not on the Agenda and except for brief responses, the Council is prohibited from discussing any item not on the agenda. If it requires action, it will be referred to staff and/or placed on a future Agenda. The determination of whether an item is within the subject matter of the City is a discretionary decision made by the Mayor.
Cody Fowler suggested that the City's current cellphone provider low-cost alternative for an app that can be placed on personal cellphones instead of paying for a separate cell service for council members.
Kurt Danziger inquired how many wells there are, what stratus (rock formation) the City is on and why the water rates increased.
Dave Willis stated that he is concerned with the traffic signs placed at the Escalon Plaza, as they are confusing to drivers exiting the plaza onto the roadway and may cause accidents.
Ed Alves asked if the City of Escalon has ever had a hydrologist come and check the water content under the city.
Kurt Danziger stated that he has been recording depth to water since 2016 and he has measured a 10ft drop in depth since then.
PRESENTATIONS
5. Sidney Stone - Christian Church Homes Senior Housing Development Proposal Sidney Stone, Vice President of Real Estate Development with CCH, made a presentation to Council on a proposed senior housing development.
Members of Council and the public asked various questions. Mr. Stone answered all questions.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
6. Provide direction on the sewer moratorium and the future of annexations City Manager Romo presented the staff report on this item.
Mayor Bellinger opened the public hearing at 8:51 pm.
MINUTES
Escalon City Council
March 20, 2023
Kurt Danziger suggested that contractors requesting annexations should have a shovel ready plan.
He stated that by doing so, it keeps the city in control.
Danny Fox spoke about Escalon's growth management program and encouraged the Council to look at land within the sphere of influence and pre-zoning.
Ed Alves spoke on removing moratoriums and said Council should discuss pros and cons of removal of moratoriums carefully, as moratoriums were placed by an old Council to keep the city from growing too quickly.
Mayor Bellinger stated Council was not interested in removing the 75 homes a year growth management ordinance, and are only discussing sewer capacity.
Councilmember Strohman asked if the sewer moratorium and slow growth Ordinance were two different items.
City Manager Romo confirmed that sewer moratorium and slow growth ordinance were two different items.
Councilmember Strohman stated that he wanted public to understand Council was currently speaking on sewer moratorium and not the slow growth ordinance.
Ed Alves stated the sewer moratorium and slow growth ordinance go hand in hand and that it would be hard to defend the slow growth ordinance if the sewer still has plenty of EDUs. He stated that there is plenty of land in town that could be built on without having to annex.
Gary Haskin stated he agreed with Ed Alves and requested Council tread carefully when reviewing moratoriums.
Council gave consensus to revisit the sewer moratorium after Phase 3 of the Sewer Trunkline Rehabilitation Project is completed.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Engle had no communications at this time.
Councilmember Strohman had no communications at this time.
Councilmember Walker requested Chief Flores look into improving the flow of traffic in Plaza shopping center for travelers and see if a larger driveway exit could be an option to make it easier for exiting trucks. She also stated that she would like to know water levels in the aquafer, availability of water and any depth changer to water level reports. She thanked Commission on Aging Representative Ann Shaddix for the brochure with resource information for seniors.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan stated that he is hopeful the aquafer has higher levels of water.
MINUTES
Escalon City Council
March 20, 2023
Mayor Bellinger requested traffic reports generated from the use of new radar trailer from Chief Flores when available.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Bellinger adjourned the meeting at 9:11 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Chramnd
Courtney Richmond, Deputy City Clerk