ESCALON MINUTES
CALIFORNIA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
STO
City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue - 7:00P.M.
CALIFORN
INCORPORATED MARCH 12, 1957
Beginning Resolution No. 36-23
Beginning Ordinance No. 593
Beginning Minute Order No. 49-23
PRESENT: Mayor David Bellinger
Mayor Pro Tem Andrew Thomas Hagan
Councilmember Malinda Walker
Councilmember Shawn Strohman
ABSENT: Councilmember Jeremy Engle, Excused
STAFF PRESENT: Dominique Romo, City Manager/City Clerk
Jaylen French, Development & Community Services Manager Juston Collins, Public Works Superintendent
Robert Hardgraves, Police Sergeant
Frank Splendorio, City Attorney
Andy Heath, Financial Consultant
CONSENT CALENDAR
These items are considered routine in nature and are acted upon by a single action unless requested by an individual Council Member or member of the public for special consideration.
Approve the Minutes from the Regular Meeting of September 5, 2023.
2. Approve the Register of Demands for August 31-September 11, 2023 in the amount of $612,621.53.
3. Adopt Resolution No. XX-23, summarily vacating a Dedicated Storm Drainage Pond located at 2310 Main Street (APN 227-340-090-000) pursuant to Streets and Highways Code Section 8330 ET Seg. and Determining that such Vacation is Consistent with the City's Adopted General Plan.
MOTION - It is moved/seconded by STROHMAN/HAGAN that the Consent Calendar be approved as presented. Motion carried unanimously (4-0-1; ABSENT-ENGLE) MINUTE ORDER 49-23
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES
4. a. Treasurer's Report for August
b. Police Department Reports for July (1) and August (2)
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c. Animal Control Reports for July (1) and August (2)
d. Recreation Report for August
e. Development Services Report for August
f. Public Works Report for August
g. Building Department Report for August
h. Water Department Report for August
i. Wastewater Treatment Plant Report for August
j. City Manager Report/Updates
a. Informational Updates
b. Agenda Item Requests
Mayor David Bellinger asked Public Works Superintendent Juston Collins for an update on the road work that was expected to be completed on HWY 120 by Caltrans.
Public Works Superintendent Collins informed Council that there had been delays in the project, originally scheduled to start in the first week of September. He states he has been in communication with Caltrans via email and they cited issues with the contractor and postponed the work to the following week. He stated that as of last week, no progress had been made so when he saw Caltrans personnel doing surveyance in the area, he stopped to speak with them, and they indicated they should be on-site within the next day or two. He added that despite this verbal update from Caltrans, the work had not yet commenced.
Public Works Superintendent Collins mentioned that City Manager Romo had also contacted Caltrans.
City Manager Romo explained that she had spoken with a Caltrans representative because their Construction manager was unavailable this week. She stated the Caltrans rep informed her that they were still in discussions with the contractor to finalize the project's start dates. She added that the representative informed her that there had been updates to the scope of work, which required coordination for new equipment at the site.
Mayor Bellinger emphasized the urgency of the situation due to the approaching cold weather.
Public Works Superintendent Collins acknowledged that the delay might be partially his fault.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with the proposed work and his desire to see the entire Highway 120 project completed
Mayor Bellinger agreed with Collins, expressing support for the idea that the entirety of Highway 120 should be addressed.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan then inquired with Superintendent Collins about that status of an incident involving a knocked-over stop sign and reported graffiti in town.
Superintendent Collins responded, stating that he had become aware of these issues just about an hour ago, that he contacted the on-call team, who likely had already addressed the situation.
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Councilmember Strohman asked Superintendent Collins about the point at which they could inform Caltrans that they missed the opportunity to carry out the project during favorable weather and would have to wait until spring.
Superintendent Collins responded that this had indeed been a topic of discussion, and Caltrans was aware of it. He explained that the ideal weather for the project is when temperatures are 72 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. He added that Caltrans is still hoping for such weather, and while staff is doing their best at pushing the issue, the current situation is not entirely within their control.
Councilmember Strohman expressed appreciation to Sergeant Robert Hardgraves for the new format of the Police Department monthly report. Strohman mentioned that he liked the way it was structured, particularly with the major incidents presented clearly. He thanked Sergeant Hardgraves for making the report easy to follow and for providing the information in the new format.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan asked Sergeant Hardgraves how Chief of Police Gustavo Flores was doing
Sergeant Hardgraves stated that Chief Flores is recovering and will hopefully return to work on the 27 of September.
Councilmember Walker raised a question regarding the construction progress of Main Street Park and inquired if it was still on track to be completed by Christmas.
Councilmember Hagan also expressed his interest in receiving an update regarding the concerns related to the safety of the grass area at Main Street Park.
City Manager Romo addressed Council about addressing concerns at Main Street Park brought up by Councilmember Engle at the last meeting. She explained that staff met with the Lions Club to discuss issues like uneven grass areas, accessibility improvements, ADA compliance, and preventing damage to newly constructed areas. She stated they also discussed potential concrete or asphalt issues during events like the car show. She advised that the existing horseshoe pits would not be changed, that the bike path will have asphalt with structural support, and a redwood header board would be used for stability. Preventative measures were discussed and any damage to asphalt will be taken care of by Public Works.
Superintendent Collins addressed concerns about ADA access points at Main Street Park. He explained that there would be five different entry points for ADA access, improving accessibility from the parking lots to the bike path and stage area. This expansion would provide more entry points for ADA than currently exist, and it would create a direct path from the parking lots to the park and Main Street.
Councilmember Strohman inquired about the ADA compliance of the stage at Main Street Park.
Superintendent Collins clarified that the top of the stage was ADA compliant, but additional ramps were needed to make it fully accessible for wheelchairs.
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Councilmember Strohman expressed a desire to avoid expanding the project scope.
Superintendent Collins explained that they were considering adding asphalt or concrete to the backside of the stage to create better accessibility, adding that this would be a cost-effective addition tied into the project.
Councilmember Malinda Walker asked if the work on Main Street Park would be completed before Christmas.
Superintendent Collins expressed his belief that the project on Main Street would not be completed before Christmas. He anticipated that the work would likely be finished in February, provided that weather conditions and contractors cooperated.
Councilmember Strohman suggested the possibility of postponing the event to spring.
Superintendent Collins clarified that there were two separate projects, and they could be scheduled separately.
City Manager Romo added that if staff believed either project would impact an event, it would be postponed accordingly.
Community and Development Services Manager French reported that staff had reviewed the business license issue and was currently in the process of updating the necessary forms. He stated staff were actively monitoring their progress in meeting a three-day commitment for business license and Home Occupation license reviews. Additionally, staff was exploring the possibility of fee reductions, with most of these reductions requiring Council approval. He stated they were working on the details and assessing whether some adjustments could be made administratively through legal means.
Community and Development Manager French also explained that the city staff was addressing traffic calming not only as an agenda item but also as a broader citywide concern. He stated staff was evaluating various traffic calming measures available to all cities and intended to compile them into a comprehensive traffic calming plan. He stated this plan aimed to clarify the tools and strategies at the city's disposal for managing traffic speed and safety and that the goal was to inform both the public and city officials about the most appropriate and effective traffic management solutions, with the plan expected to be finalized over the next several months.
Community and Development Manager French shared that the Recreation Commission had discussed the potential transition of the Youth basketball program into a Jr. NBA program, similar to the approach taken with flag football. He stated that staff will present this recommendation to the City Council for consideration at the next meeting scheduled for October 2nd. He added that the objective was to explore more efficient ways to run the program, offering increased opportunities and competition for children. French emphasized the value of this community conversation for Council deliberation.
Sergeant Hardgraves updated the Council on the Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR cameras in Escalon. He stated that currently, there are three Flock cameras in operation at various locations and two more cameras are awaiting Caltrans permits for installation.
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He reported that since their installation in late June, the ALPR system has recorded 441,272 license plates, resulting in 62 Department of Justice (DOJ) stops. Notably, there were 61 hits for reported stolen license plates, and one hit for a stolen vehicle, though it was not recovered.
Sergeant Hardgraves stated that in July, the ALPR system played a pivotal role in an identity theft case. He informed that Escalon Police Department officers used it to locate a vehicle associated with an individual with outstanding warrants. The ensuing investigation led to the arrest of the driver, who possessed personal identifying information from over 45 potential victims, mostly from neighboring areas.
He gave crime statistics for July, there were no murders, rapes, or robberies. There were two aggravated assaults, two simple assaults, and two burglaries, consistent with the previous year's figures. However, theft incidents decreased significantly, with six cases reported in July, down by 53% from the previous year. Stolen vehicle incidents rose slightly, from two in July 2022 to three in July 2023. Social Incidents and Nuisance Abatement Statistics (SINs) remained at zero.
Mayor Bellinger thanked Sergeant Hardgraves for the Escalon Police Department update.
Councilmember Strohman inquired about the process when the License Plate Recognition (LPR) system reads a license plate and generates an alert. Sergeant Hardgraves explained that alerts are sent to all officers through patrol cell phones and department emails. The system has a lag time of approximately 20 to 30 seconds. Officers are trained to respond not to where the vehicle is at the moment but to where it is heading. The LPR cameras are set up to capture one-way traffic entering the city but can also capture vehicles exiting the city. Due to the speed of moving vehicles, officers may not always have time to verify whether the camera captured a vehicle entering or leaving town, resulting in a learning curve.
Councilmember Strohman then asked about the difference between the ALPR and Flock cameras. Sergeant Hardgraves clarified that ALPR stands for Automated License Plate Reader, which is a camera that reads license plates and compares them to a database. The Flock cameras, on the other hand, are dash cameras with ALPR capabilities. While the hardware may be similar, the Flock system can also detect vehicle make, model, style, color, and distinguishing features.
This additional information is valuable for identifying vehicles in cases where specific descriptions are available, such as a red sedan involved in a crime.
Councilmember Strohman highlighted that Caltrans is causing delays not only in roadwork on Highway 120 but also in permitting for the Police Department. He requested Superintendent Collins and City Manager Romo to address this matter in their communication with Caltrans.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan asked if the Police Department could send alerts to neighboring cities if they miss an opportunity to apprehend individuals. Sergeant Hardgraves explained that they mainly receive alerts for stolen license plates, not stolen vehicles. When a license plate is reported stolen, it is entered into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System as stolen. However, many people do not replace stolen plates, so they drive with one reported stolen plate on their vehicle. He added that from experience, all vehicles stopped for stolen plates have been the correct vehicles.
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Sergeant Hardgraves provided an update on the August crime report and ALPR report. The ALPR statistics for August were similar to previous months. He stated there were two reported stolen vehicle hits in August, but the police were unable to locate either of the stolen vehicles.
One of them was exiting town southbound on McHenry, which led to some confusion among officers, and the other incident occurred when no officers were in the area.
Superintendent Collins provided an update on the progress of the McDonald's construction project. He mentioned that while the construction has caused some traffic control measures in recent weeks to tie in the infrastructure with the facility, they are nearing completion of the infrastructure work. By the end of the week, the roadways should be open and accessible.
However, in the next month, they will return to finalize the pavement. He acknowledged the inconvenience but praised the construction team for their hard work and efforts to expedite the project. City Manager Romo added that the project is on a 120-day schedule and is expected to be completed sometime in December.
City Manager Romo provided an update on Well 1A, that the project is moving forward, and a pre-construction meeting is scheduled for this week or the next. The construction completion date is set for December 1, 2024, as per the funding agreement with the state of California she added that any potential extensions to this deadline would require follow up with the State.
City Manager Romo also discussed the SJID Surface Water Project/South County Water Supply project involving Manteca, Tracy, Lathrop, and Ripon. She stated that the 30% design was completed in June, with the environmental process expected to conclude in October. Adding that the final design is set to begin in November, with construction documents ready by August 2024. She stated that if all goes as planned, testing and water delivery could occur in 2026.
City Manager Romo informed Council that the Recreation Commission will have two open seats in November, and the City will advertise the positions, conduct interviews before Council, and hopefully fill them accordingly by November.
City Manager Romo informed the Council about an Agenda Item Request from Cody Fowler, requesting to consider adding a mandate/policy where, if an agenda item is modified by any member of the Council or staff, a new public comment session would be conducted before any vote is taken. The request is for the Council to discuss and possibly provide direction on this matter at the next meeting.
Mayor Bellinger expressed concerns about adding this request to the upcoming meeting's agenda, since the agenda already contains substantial items related to budget and housing element discussions. Mayor Bellinger recommended that the request be considered for inclusion in a future agenda instead.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan and Councilmember Walker agreed with Mayor Bellinger's assessment, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the current agenda items.
Councilmember Strohman proposed tabling the request until the November meeting, as it would be after the budget discussions.
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Councilmember Walker agreed with the proposal to postpone Cody Fowler's request to a future agenda due to the already busy current agendas for October. She also inquired about the availability of the audit report.
City Manager Romo stated that she was hopeful that the Audit might be available for the first or second meeting in October. She also mentioned that the Audit for 2021-2022 will affect the schedule for the 2022-2023 Audit, but that staff will do their best to get it back on track as possible.
The Council gave consensus to consider Cody Fowler's request during the second City Council meeting in November.
MATTERS PRESENTED FROM THE AUDIENCE
At this time, the public may address the City Council on any item, not on the agenda that is within the authority of the Council. The speaker is limited to a maximum of five minutes. Unused time may not he yielded to another speaker:
The determination of whether an item is within the authority of the Council is a discretionary decision made by Mayor.
Gabriella Vargas expressed her gratitude to Superintendent Collins and the Public Works team for promptly addressing tree-related issues on Pioneer and Park streets. She also commended Sergeant Hardgraves for the new reporting style in police reports, finding it more effective. She then acknowledged the nonprofit organization Escalon Strong, mentioning her participation in their food giveaway for the elderly, garage sale, and support for the community garden initiative.
She highlighted the importance of recognizing Escalon Strong's valuable contributions to the community. She then inquired about the status of police funding, suggesting that instead of allocating funds for the Main Street Park, the focus should be on Escalon Police Officers.
Vargas also inquired about the City of Escalon's vested interest in the Escalon Parks Foundation, mentioning recent discussions about investigating the nonprofit. She recommended that if the city has no vested interest, investigations into the nonprofit should cease, leaving matters to state authorities like the FTB, IRS, and Secretary of State.
In response to one of her comments, Mayor Bellinger explained that the funds allocated for the park project are from SJCOG and must be used for a specific project related to bike pathways and transportation. He stated that money cannot be diverted to other purposes. He added that if the project is not completed within the specified scope, the funds will be returned to the fund and will be allocated to another city.
PUBLIC HEARING
5. Adopt Ordinance No. XXX, adding Chapter 17.xx.010 through 17.xx.040 to the Escalon Municipal Code pertaining to the regulation of smoke shops and tobacco retail uses in the City of Escalon.
Jaylen French, Community and Development Services Manager presented this item explaining this ordinance aimed to promote responsible tobacco retailing, discourage sales to minors, and regulate smoke shops for public welfare. He stated it required new smoke shops to obtain a
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conditional use permit, limited their locations to industrial and commercial zones, and established various distance requirements from sensitive areas where minor s typically gathered. He added that the ordinance also defined smoke shops based on the proportion of retail space dedicated to tobacco products. He also mentioned that the Planning Commission recommended approval, leaving the City Council with the decision to approve, reject, or modify it.
Mayor Bellinger opened the public hearing.
Gabriella Vargas inquired about the status of the smoke shops that were involved in the decoy buy. She sought clarification on whether these shops were permanently closed or temporarily shut down with the possibility of reopening in the future.
In response, Sergeant Hardgraves provided information, stating that one of the smoke shops, located on 4th Street, is permanently closed. However, the situation regarding the smoke shop at the Paddock Shopping Center was less clear, as it had undergone a license suspension and review process, the outcome of which Sergeant Hardgraves was uncertain about. Superintendent Collins added that the smoke shop in question had recently cleaned out its facility.
Vargas expressed her perspective on the proposed smoke shop ordinance, as in her experience, convenience stores and other retailers also sell tobacco and related products, therefore similar restrictions should apply to those retailers. Vargas shared a recent experience where she questioned a product in a local market that was labeled as "no nicotine," considering the recent ban on flavored nicotine products in California. During this interaction, she observed that the store owner and cashier seemed willing to provide information on alternative products. She stated that this experience let her to question the potential presence of similar items in various types of businesses beyond smoke shops.
Vargas urged the police department to conduct thorough investigations, including sting operations, on convenience stores and other establishments to determine if they also offer products similar to those found in smoke shops. She suggested that comprehensive research should precede any regulatory decisions to ensure fairness and consistency in addressing the sale of these products in the community.
Sergeant Hardgraves raised a concern related to the ordinance wording. He mentioned that when he reviewed the ordinance, he did not find a specific definition for "smoke shops." He pointed out that it is crucial to have a clear and precise definition to avoid ambiguity and ensure that the ordinance's regulations are appropriately applied.
In response to Sergeant Hardgraves' concern, Jaylen French, the Community and Development Services Manager, clarified that the ordinance does include a definition for smoke shops, but it might have been missing from the version they were discussing. He assured that the correct definition is present in the new version of the ordinance, and if the ordinance is passed, there will be a second reading before it takes effect, allowing for any necessary clarifications or adjustments to be made.
Councilmember Walker questioned the feasibility of finding suitable locations for new smoke shops based on the zoning requirements outlined in the ordinance. Community and
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Development Services Manager French mentioned a few potential areas that might meet the criteria, such as the Liberty Business Park and certain spots near 1st Street. However, it was noted that the availability of such spaces could be limited.
Councilmember Strohman expressed similar concerns about finding appropriate properties that align with the ordinance's zoning restrictions.
Mayor Bellinger asked if there was a map available to clearly illustrate the permissible areas for new smoke shops under the proposed zoning regulations. This discussion underscored the practical challenges of locating eligible sites for smoke shops within the city while adhering to the ordinance's zoning stipulations.
Mayor Bellinger closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Walker expressed a desire to reevaluate the item after having a map indicating the permissible zones for smoke shops. She also suggested considering adjustments to the 600- foot requirement to potentially make more parcels available for these businesses in the future.
MOTION - It is moved/seconded by WALKER/HAGAN to approve waiving the first reading of Ordinance No. XXX, adding Chapter 17.xx.010 through 17.xx.040 to the Escalon Municipal Code pertaining to the regulation of smoke shops and tobacco retail uses in the City of Escalon, requesting that staff revisit point #4 related to location restrictions for smoke shops and tobacco retail uses and include a map illustrating suitable areas for these establishments. (4-0-1; ABSENT-ENGLE) MINUTE ORDER 50-23
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
6. Consider an Appointment to serve as the Escalon Representative of the Ad Hoc Animal Shelter Subcommittee.
City Manager Romo introduced an item 6 which is regarding the establishment of an ad hoc animal shelter subcommittee in collaboration with the City of Oakdale. City Manager Romo stated that the subcommittee's purpose is to address concerns about the operation of the animal shelter on Libertini Ave. in Oakdale, which serves the cities of Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon.
City Manager Romo stated she has been attending these meetings and provided a summary of the topics discussed, including staff training, customer service, euthanasia policies, shelter hours, and communication between groups.
City Manager Romo stated that the subcommittee comprises seven members, including two Oakdale City Council members, a representative from the Astro Foundation, a representative from OSPA (Oakdale Shelter Pet Alliance), a representative from the animal shelter volunteers, and representatives appointed by the City Councils of Riverbank and Escalon. She added that the subcommittee meets monthly, and announced the next meeting scheduled for September 28th at 5:00 PM.
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Mayor Pro Tem Hagan expressed his willingness to serve on the subcommittee but raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest due to his veterinary business performing low-cost spays and neuters for the Oakdale Animal Shelter.
City Attorney Splendorio stated he will review the situation to ensure there are no conflicts of interest.
City Manager Romo clarified that the subcommittee operates as an ad hoc group, and any recommendations they make will be presented to the City Council for consideration and implementation.
Councilmember Strohman suggested opening up an appointment process for the subcommittee on animal shelters to allow community members who are passionate about animals to apply for the role. He stated that there are community members with a deep interest in animals who would be excellent representatives on the subcommittee.
Councilmember Walker expressed support for following the example set by the cities of Oakdale and Riverbank by appointing a City Council member to the subcommittee on animal shelters.
She also mentioned that it would be valuable for the City Attorney to investigate whether Mayor Pro Tem Hagan is eligible for that role due to potential conflicts of interest.
Mayor Bellinger moved to postpone the appointment of a City Council member to the subcommittee on animal shelters until further information and answers to questions can be obtained. He suggested that City Manager Romo continue representing the city in the meantime.
There was a consensus among the council members to follow this approach, indicating that there was no immediate rush to make the appointment.
Councilmember Strohman expressed his belief that Councilmember Hagan was the most qualified among the council members to serve on the animal shelter subcommittee if they decide to appoint a City Council member.
This item was continued to the next meeting.
7. Discuss Agenda Item Request from Doug and Kristi Pruden regarding speed bumps and stop signs on Deborah Circle.
City Manager Romo explaining that speed limit and traffic control measures in the Deborah Circle neighborhood had been previously discussed by the City Council in October 2022, where suggestions were made by Doug Pruden to reduce the speed limit to 15 mph and consider speed bumps due to concerns about speeding in the area. She stated that after collecting data using a speed trailer and considering existing criteria for residential roads, it was determined by the City/City Engineer that no modifications, including stop signs or speed bumps, were warranted for Deborah Circle. She informed Council that the agenda item request from the Pruden family was provided in their agenda packet, along with the Police Department's traffic summary for Deborah Circle and added that Doug and Kristi Pruden were present at the meeting for any questions or comments.
Resident Kristi Pruden expressed her concerns about the excessive speeding and traffic issues on Deborah Circle. She mentioned that many drivers use Deborah Circle as a shortcut to avoid a stop
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sign on Country Wood Drive. She shared two instances of dangerous situations: one where her son almost got run over by a car going at the speed limit, and another where a drunk driver crashed into a parked car on their street. Kristi Pruden emphasized the urgent need for a stop sign to address the recurring speeding and safety concerns on Deborah Circle.
Mayor Bellinger asked for the results of the traffic study conducted on Deborah Circle and invited Sergeant Hardgraves to provide input on the findings from the study.
Sergeant Hardgraves provided information from the traffic study conducted on Deborah Circle. He stated over a two-week period, there were 2,893 vehicles passing through the area, averaging approximately 206 vehicles per day. He mentioned the number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by various margins, including 8 vehicles going 11 or more mph over the limit and 12 vehicles going 5 to 10 mph over the limit. The highest recorded speed was 79 mph on April 7th. Sergeant Hardgraves also provided data on vehicles traveling between 30 and 40 mph over the speed limit during the study period
Sergeant Hardgraves also provided a summary of incidents and complaints related to traffic on Deborah Circle, including speeding, reckless driving, and collisions that had occurred over the years.
Resident Kristi Pruden expressed her willingness to take financial and practical initiatives to address the speeding issue on Deborah Circle. She offered to fundraise for measures such as stop signs and mentioned that she and her husband could personally install them. Her primary concern was the safety of her children, and she emphasized her commitment to ensuring their well-being.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan sought clarification on the percentages of vehicles exceeding the speed limit on Deborah Circle. Sergeant Hardgraves provided an explanation, indicating that 2.8% of the vehicles were speeding, while 2.11% were traveling between 25 and 30 mph over the speed limit.
He further broke down the percentages for different speed ranges to provide a clearer understanding of the data.
Mayor Bellinger inquired about how the number of complaints on Deborah Circle compared to other areas of the town in terms of speeding issues. Sergeant Hardgraves stated that while there are other areas that receive more complaints, Deborah Circle's situation is not excessive.
Councilmember Strohman expressed empathy for the Pruden family's concerns about speeding on their street. He shared his own experiences with speed bumps and discussed the potential drawbacks of using them. Strohman mentioned that the city is looking into the issue more broadly and suggested that if Superintendent Collins believes a stop sign is a reasonable solution, it would be a step the city could take to address the safety concerns for children in the neighborhood.
Kristi Pruden expressed her hope that adding a stop sign on Deborah Circle would deter drivers who are trying to avoid the stop sign on Countrywood from using their street as a shortcut. She acknowledged that while it might not solve the problem entirely, it would at least make it safer for her children to play in the street with parental supervision.
Councilmember Strohman expressed concern about the increased traffic that might occur on Deborah Circle when a McDonald's restaurant (referred to as the "golden arches") opens nearby. He
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suggested that having a new stop sign might provide an opportunity for law enforcement to monitor and enforce it, helping address some of the speeding and safety issues in the area.
In response to Councilmember Walker's request for clarification on where the stop sign would be placed if approved, Superintendent Collins stated that the proposed stop sign would be a three-way stop sign located at the intersection of Deborah Circle and Deborah Street, not at the intersection of Countrywood and Deborah Circle. This stop sign would be positioned in the court area a few homes down from the Countrywood intersection on Deborah Circle.
City Attorney Splendorio asked Superintendent Collins if he had conducted a MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) Stop sign warrants analysis for the intersection in question.
Superintendent Collins responded that it does not meet the warrants, but there are areas where it would be warranted.
City Attorney Splendorio explained to the Council that MUTCD is a manual published by Caltrans that provides guidelines for traffic control devices, and it typically requires a study to determine if a stop sign is warranted at a particular location. City Attorney Splendorio mentioned that it is not something that can be arbitrarily installed.
City Attorney Splendorio expressed the need for caution when considering the installation of a stop sign. He mentioned that sometimes stop signs can create a false sense of security for pedestrians and drivers when they are not warranted by engineering analysis. He emphasized the importance of looking at the situation from all perspectives, considering the potential consequences for children's safety.
Community and Development Services Manager French clarified that "warranted" is a technical term in traffic engineering and explained that cities can face increased liability if they approve a stop sign without proper engineering justification or fail to approve one that has been deemed warranted by the city engineer.
Mayor Bellinger opened podium for public comment.
Doug Pruden voiced worries about the speed limit on Deborah Circle. He pointed out that even though it is set at 25 mph for residential areas, the street gets really narrow and crowded with parked cars in the evenings and on weekends. This makes it hard for two cars to pass each other. He proposed that the speed limit might be too high considering the street conditions and urged the council members to drive there during busy times to see the issue themselves.
Superintendent Collins mentioned that staff could also explore other measures such as installing speed signs and "children at play" signs to alert drivers to the conditions on Deborah Circle.
Sergeant Hardgraves added that the city was also considering putting up a "no through traffic" sign on Countrywood to deter vehicles that don't belong to the neighborhood from entering adding this would help address concerns related to increased traffic with the opening of a nearby McDonald's.
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Kristi Pruden responded to Sergeant Hardgraves' mention of a "no through traffic" sign by stating that while it may not be a complete solution, it would be a significant improvement over the current situation.
Sergeant Hardgraves stated that the installation of speed signs or other traffic control measures requires justification and studies to support their placement, as they would be enforced through citations and fines.
Councilmember Strohman inquired about what the City Engineer supported, and City Manager Romo clarified that the City Engineer was not supportive of adding stop signs or speed bumps, citing that it did not meet the required criteria and was not warranted.
Mayor Bellinger expressed concerns about the potential legal implications for the city if they were to install stop signs without proper justification. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that any decision to install signs is legally sound and enforceable. He sought input from French, Collins, and Hardgraves, on the necessary steps and time required to reach a decision on whether or not to proceed with the installation of stop signs.
Superintendent Collins suggested that they might not have information ready for the next meeting but could provide details by the second meeting regarding signage and other traffic calming measures, such as yield signs or slow children at play signs. The goal was to explore all options and make informed decisions about which signs, if any, should be installed and their placements.
Sergeant Hardgraves mentioned that an official speed survey conducted by a traffic surveying company would likely be required before any official signage could be installed.
Mayor Bellinger inquired about using data from their speed trailer for this purpose, to which Sergeant Hardgraves expressed uncertainty about its suitability.
Kristi Pruden asked why the public was not part of the talk with the city engineer.
City Manager Romo replied, saying the city engineer reviewed the info internally and shared it at a Council meeting. Councilmember Hagan then asked if it's usual for the public not to be involved in these processes.
City Manager Romo said that talks with the city engineer about traffic measures usually happen internally without public input, but there might be exceptions. She mentioned that the city engineer prefers enforcement to control speeding, and stop signs or speed bumps often don't meet the needed criteria. Romo also wasn't sure if signage would prompt a speed survey but thought a stop sign probably would.
City Attorney Splendorio explained that the MUTCD uses data and statistics to decide on traffic calming measures like signs. This process involves looking at things like average speeds on the road He noted that while people may have different opinions, this method follows standard engineering practices.
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He also mentioned that traffic calming can include more than just signs, like pavement markings. He suggested not dragging out the discussion and proposed postponing it for further consideration due to the complexities involved.
Resident Kristi Pruden is worried about the narrow streets in the neighborhood. She mentioned that the previous attempt to narrow the streets had not worked and had actually made it harder to see children running into the street between parked cars. She emphasized the need to reduce traffic for the safety of young children who may not fully understand the dangers of the road. She also raised a legal concern, asking if the council was worried about potential harm to a child given the ongoing issue of narrow streets.
Sergeant Hardgraves explained that all signs, including speed and stop signs, must comply with the law to impose fines for violations. However, signs like yield, slow, and children at play signs have more flexibility in their requirements. The city is considering different solutions because the data suggests that an engineer might not approve a stop sign here. Enforcing an unwarranted stop sign could lead to legal issues, which they want to prevent.
Councilmember Hagan suggested reaching a consensus to move the discussion forward and explore available options.
Mayor Bellinger agreed, emphasizing the importance of gathering more information without committing to a decision.
City Manager Romo confirmed they would review the item, considering additional signage and calming measures, and bring it back at the City Council meeting scheduled for October 16, 2023.
Councilmember Strohman acknowledged Mrs. Pruden's concerns but stressed the importance of avoiding rushed decisions that could pose risks for the city. He used the example of installing a stop sign, which might lead to accidents and legal issues. Councilmember Strohman emphasized the need to protect both the city and its residents by taking a cautious and thoughtful approach to the issue.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
8. Discuss Agenda Item Request from Mayor Pro Tem Hagan and Councilmember Engle regarding the support of businesses during COVID.
Item 8 was continued to the next meeting since Councilman Engle was not present.
Councilmember Strohman discussed attending meetings with downtown businesses and mentioned the desire to attract more people to the historic downtown area. He proposed that the city should consider installing signage on HWY 120 to help guide visitors to downtown Escalon.
He acknowledged budget constraints but suggested it should be considered as a future agenda item. Strohman sought consensus from the other council members on this proposal.
Mayor Bellinger suggested involving the Chamber of Commerce in discussions about signage for historic downtown Escalon, considering shared costs or their financial support.
MINUTES
Escalon City Council
September 18, 2023
Additionally, Councilmember Strohman raised a concern about the lack of signage from Caltrans indicating the presence of an electric vehicle charging station on HWY 120 and asked if the city had inquired about Caltrans adding such signs.
Superintendent Collins mentioned that the city had not inquired about Caltrans adding signage for the electric vehicle charging station. He explained that many electric vehicle drivers rely on apps or in-car information systems to locate charging stations. He added that staff recently discovered that some settings weren't enabled to point drivers to their EV charger. They have since rectified this issue, hoping to better inform drivers about the charging station's location.
Councilmember Walker expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the car show in downtown Escalon and emphasized the importance of getting more people to visit the area. She highlighted the need for signage and beautification on Highway 120 to attract and retain visitors traveling along Hwy 120. She also encouraged people to participate in the upcoming Wine Stroll in two weeks to enjoy the community and support local businesses.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan expressed his hope to see people come out for the wine stroll event.
Mayor Bellinger expressed his appreciation for the recent car show organized by the Lions Club and the breakfast hosted by the American Legion. He also thanked Mayor Pro Tem Hagan for filling in for him at a recent event. Mayor Bellinger mentioned a friendly competition with the mayor of Oakdale, where they created a trophy for the Battle of 120 football game. He commended the football program, the coaches, parents, and everyone who attended the games.
He shared that the trophy would ultimately be placed in the high school trophy case for the students to enjoy. He also announced the upcoming Wine Stroll and encouraged the public to attend.
Mayor Bellinger adjourned the meeting into closed session at approximately 8:40 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION
6. Conference with Labor Negotiators, Cal Gov't. Code §54957.6 Agency designated representative: Dominique Romo, City Manager Employee Organization: Escalon Police Officers Association (EPOA)
ADJOURNMENT
Council returned from Closed Session at approximately 9:00 PM. All Councilmembers were present for the duration of the meeting. No reportable action was taken.
There being no further business, Mayor Bellinger adjourned the meeting at 9:00 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
nevals
Ivett Arevalo, Deputy City Clerk