MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF MARCH 4, 2024
City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue -7:00 P.M.
Beginning Resolution No. 02-24
Beginning Ordinance No. 595
Beginning Minute Order No. 12-24
PRESENT: Mayor David Bellinger
Mayor Pro Tem Andrew Thomas Hagan
Councilmember Jeremy Engle
Councilmember Shawn Strohman
Councilmember Malinda Walker
STAFF PRESENT: Dominique Romo, City Manager
Ivette Arevalo, Deputy City Clerk
Jaylen French, Development & Community Services Manager Gustavo Flores, Chief of Police
Juston Collins, Public Works Superintendent/Manager
Frank Splendorio, City Attorney
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.
1. Approve the Minutes from the Special Meetings of February 20 and February 21, 2024.
2. Approve the Register of Demands for March 4, 2024 in the amount of $161,576.36.
Councilmember Jeremy Engle stated he abstained from item 1 due to being absent the City Council meeting of February 20,2024.
MOTION – It is moved/seconded by STROHMAN/HAGAN that the consent calendar be approved as presented with ENGLE abstaining from item #1. Motion carried (5-0) MINUTE ORDER 12-24
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3. City Manager’s Report
i. Informational Updates
Development & Community Services Manager Jaylen French spoke first, mentioning three items for discussion. The baseball season's opening day is set for Saturday, March 9th, starting at 8:00 AM. The day will feature a presentation of colors by the American Legion, the national anthem sung by a student from the school district, and the first pitch thrown by Miss Escalon. Mayor Bellinger will act as the guest MC, adding to the excitement. The weather forecast is promising for the event.
Following this, Development & Community Services Manager French continued, mentioning two related items. Firstly, the traffic calming program has been officially approved by the Council and is now accessible on the website. A Facebook post will also be made to notify the public. Secondly, the department will include all submitted projects and concerns in its monthly reports, ensuring transparency with the Council and the public.
Chief of Police Gustavo Flores commended his staff, stating that they have been highly productive.
In the past week, they successfully confiscated two guns from the streets. One gun was found in a car, while the other was carried by an individual. He expressed appreciation for their efforts, giving them credit for their proactive work.
Public Works Superintendent Juston Collins addressed two small matters. Firstly, he corrected an oversight from the previous week when Councilmember Walker inquired about Burgundy Street on the street map. Collins initially stated it wasn't included due to pending crack sealing, but his team quickly corrected him, and Burgundy Street has been added to the list. Collins apologized for the oversight and thanked Walker for bringing it to their attention.
Secondly, Collins mentioned discussions with Lionudakis Orchard Removal regarding orchard maintenance. They plan to mobilize on Wednesday and aim to complete the work by Thursday or Friday. However, if not, they will postpone until Monday to avoid any interference with the opening day activities. Collins ensured coordination to avoid conflicts, indicating that the orchard removal process should be swift and completed shortly.
Councilmember Strohman inquired about informing the adjacent property owner about the upcoming work. Collins explained that he had left several messages for the owner but hadn't received a response yet. Strohman suggested ensuring the owner receives a message to inform them about the work. Collins agreed to make another call to ensure the message is delivered.
City Manager Dominique Romo added that the agricultural commission had also reached out to the property owner regarding the matter, indicating that efforts had been made from multiple fronts to communicate with them.
PW Superintendent Juston Collins announced another upcoming event, the corned beef and cabbage gathering at the Community Center on the 14th, marking the beginning of a season of community events and activities. He encouraged everyone to keep an eye out for these events,
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emphasizing that there will be plenty of activities and fun things happening at the Community Center in the coming months.
City Manager Romo began by reminding everyone about the upcoming submission deadline for Form 700, which is due by April 2nd. She mentioned that electronic submission is an option via the State of California's website, with an email containing the necessary details sent out earlier.
Romo encouraged individuals to reach out if they encounter any issues or need assistance with the process.
Moving on, City Manager Romo informed the council about the mid-year budget review scheduled for the next meeting on March 18th, with financial consultant Andy Heath set to present. She also discussed plans regarding the ballot box location within the city, mentioning a scheduled meeting with the county after the next election to finalize arrangements.
Towards the end of her update, City Manager Romo shared a personal announcement, revealing that she had submitted her letter of resignation to the city, with her last day with the City being April 14th. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work with everyone, Romo acknowledged the fond memories she had made during her time with the city. She anticipated her final meeting would be on the 18th.
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.
Ed Alves addressed the Mayor and Council members, expressing concerns about a park decision possibly being made that evening without community input. He emphasized the importance of transparency and urged them to involve the community before moving forward. Alves highlighted the community's interest and attendance at meetings, suggesting that they should not be excluded from the final decision-making process.
Switching topics, Alves mentioned the removal of trees from the fields, which he viewed as positive progress. He then discussed development, particularly regarding a piece of land on the north side of town, known as Liberty Business Park. He suggested considering the possibility of allowing septic tanks in new developments due to budget constraints on underground plumbing and lift stations. Alves believed this approach could facilitate development in the area.
Furthermore, Alves proposed drilling wells in retention ponds to replenish water tables and reduce reliance on pumping water into rivers. He referenced Modesto's use of dry wells for rainwater and
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suggested implementing a similar system in the parks to conserve water resources. Alves urged the council to explore this idea further for the benefit of the community and the environment.
Ed Alves inquired about the contract for IT support, recalling its significance in previous discussions.
City Manager Romo informed him that the review process was underway and the RFP would be released likely within the next 30 days.
Shifting to the topic of the first water treatment system, Alves asked about progress and funding sources. Romo stated that there would be a quarterly update on this matter in April.
Expressing concern, Alves emphasized the need for a comprehensive report detailing the costs and potential impacts of the water treatment system on infrastructure and water resources. He stressed the importance of informed decision-making based on expert analysis, especially considering the substantial investment already made in research.
Alves concluded by questioning the rationale behind the rising water rates, expressing concern about excessive water usage and its potential impact on the community's financial well-being. He suggested the need for a closer examination of water prices to ensure affordability for residents and avoid creating financial hardships.
Kurt Danziger addressed the Mayor and Council, expressing his ongoing concern regarding industrial participation, or lack thereof, in the water treatment upgrade project. He highlighted the absence of commitment from industries as noted in the minutes from February 5th, emphasizing the need for a written commitment and a financial arrangement to ensure their involvement.
Danziger stressed the urgency of securing industry commitments, especially with the permit deadline approaching. He questioned the city's decision to proceed with the project without firm commitments from industries, noting the significant financial implications. Danziger urged the city to assert itself and seek clarity on the matter, emphasizing the importance of protecting ratepayers from potential financial burdens. He urged the Council, especially those facing reelection, to prioritize this issue and take decisive action. Danziger reiterated his commitment to monitoring the situation and urged the Council to address the issue promptly. He concluded by expressing his anticipation of hearing the Council's stance on the matter in upcoming meetings.
PUBLIC HEARING
4. Consideration of an Expenditure Plan for the City of Escalon’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.
**Please Note – the Public Hearings for Items 4 and 5 were combined, making one public hearing for both items**
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Development & Community Services Manager French presented items number four and five, which are public hearings concerning two different allocations of federal funds. The first pot of money, addressed in item four, is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), primarily intended for infrastructure improvements. However, 15% of these funds are allocated for assistance to service groups.
Development & Community Services Manager French outlined the proposed allocations for this year, including $11,000 for service groups such as San Joaquin Fair Housing, Human Services Agency's Meals on Wheels program, and the Emergency Food Bank and Family Services of Stockton. Additionally, $4,000 is recommended to support city residents who cannot afford recreation programs through scholarships.
The second pot of money, totaling $63,000, is also designated for infrastructure projects but is specifically targeted for disadvantaged communities. While historically, the city has not met the criteria for a disadvantaged community, the changing demographics may allow for the utilization of these funds in the future. French assured that the staff is actively working on plans to ensure maximum utilization of these funds instead of returning them to the federal government through the county.
Mayor Bellinger sought clarification on whether the distribution of funds for this year aligns with previous years' allocations. Jaylen French confirmed that the distribution is indeed similar to previous years.
Councilmember Strohman raised a concern about outreach for groups to apply for CDBG funds, particularly mentioning three local food distribution programs within Escalon. Strohman suggested reaching out to these groups to offer support with the available funds.
Development & Community Services Manager French acknowledged the suggestion and expressed willingness to explore it further in future years, although he noted that it might be too late for this year's allocation. However, Strohman emphasized the importance of extending the opportunity to local groups such as Escalon Strong, the Pentecostal Church of God, and Escalon Cares, as they might benefit from the funding.
Development & Community Services Manager French acknowledged that one of the mentioned groups had missed the deadline in the past but was uncertain about the status of the other two.
Councilmember Engle raised a point about the potential impact on existing funding recipients if new groups were to receive CDBG funds, indicating that a decision would need to be made about reallocating funds from one agency to another.
Development & Community Services Manager French confirmed that if additional groups were to receive funding, it would mean that existing recipients, including the recreation department, may receive reduced allocations due to the limited available funding.
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Councilmember Strohman inquired about the $63,000 mentioned earlier and how it aligns with the current allocations. French clarified that this additional funding is separate and designated for infrastructure improvements in disadvantaged communities. However, Escalon currently does not automatically qualify as a disadvantaged community, though there is a process to potentially qualify based on income surveys.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan sought clarification on whether generators would be eligible expenses under the infrastructure improvement category. French stated that he would need to confirm but believed that generators might not be considered eligible costs under CDBG funds.
Councilmember Strohman raised a pertinent question about whether Meals on Wheels, the mobile farmers market, and the fair housing program have undergone audits to ensure proper utilization of the CDBG funds allocated to them.
Development & Community Services Manager French clarified that these organizations provide reports both to the city and the county regarding their use of the funds.
Regarding Councilmember Engle's point, Strohman reiterated that if the funding pool were expanded to include additional groups, decisions would need to be made on how to distribute the funds among all recipients. This could result in either smaller allocations for each recipient or some entities receiving no funding.
Councilmember Strohman raised a question regarding the distinction between the Meals on Wheels program offered by the Human Services Agency and the senior lunch program organized by Karen Corey.
Development & Community Services Manager French explained that the Meals on Wheels program primarily caters to homebound individuals, whereas the senior lunch program is designed for seniors who are able to attend and socialize with others. In essence, they are two separate programs serving different needs within the community.
Councilmember Walker inquired whether organizations applying for assistance with food distribution could also qualify for the infrastructure portion of the funds, given their low-income status. French clarified that the infrastructure portion of the funds is primarily designated for city infrastructure projects, such as water, sewer, storm drains, sidewalks, and streets in low-income areas. It is intended to improve the physical quality of life in those areas rather than being allocated to organizations for their own infrastructure needs.
5. Consideration of an Expenditure Plan for the City of Escalon’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Home Investment Partnership Act (HOME) Program.
Development & Community Services Manager French explained two programs offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) known as HOME funds, aimed at assisting low and moderate-income individuals with housing needs. The first program is a Gap
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Loan Program, which provides deferred down payment assistance of up to 20% or $15,000 of the sale price to individuals who cannot afford a home or down payment. The second program is a Home Rehabilitation Program, which covers improvements like roofing, solar electricity, plumbing, or flooring upgrades to enhance housing quality. He mentioned that the city receives approximately $7,000 annually in HOME funds, which can be retained for up to three years.
However, Escalon has not utilized these funds extensively, with the last user for the Gap Loan Program in 2010 and for the Rehabilitation Program in 2012. Despite efforts to utilize the funds, such as working with the county to prioritize individuals on the waiting list, the city has not fully utilized the funding available. French noted that Escalon currently has one individual on the waiting list for the Rehabilitation Program, and efforts are underway to expedite their access to the funds.
Development & Community Services Manager French emphasized the importance of utilizing these funds effectively and mentioned that if the funds are not used within three years, a portion is forfeited while the remaining balance is retained. French recommended separate votes for each of the programs discussed and proposed opening the public hearing for both items.
Councilmember Engle asked whether the grants mentioned are low-interest or deferred loans, clarifying if recipients are required to repay them. Jaylen French confirmed that both programs involve repayment.
Councilmember Strohman inquired about the advertising methods for these programs to Escalon residents. French mentioned that primarily, the county's program is utilized for outreach, but acknowledged that there may be additional methods to consider for better outreach.
Mayor Bellinger opened the public hearings at 8:01 PM for both Items 4 and 5.
Sherry Hill expressed her strong encouragement for the council to reach out to local nonprofits in Escalon, suggesting that the senior lunch program ran by Karen Corey be included in the consideration. She questioned the justification for funding the three groups that are not based in Escalon and emphasized the need for transparency regarding their impact on the community. Hill also emphasized the importance of maximizing the impact of grant money by involving the local community and leveraging their resources. She urged the council to work collaboratively with the community to invest in Escalon.
Development & Community Services Manager French clarified that while the county programs serve other communities, the funding received from Escalon is specifically designated for Escalon residents. He provided statistics on the number of Escalon residents served by programs like Fair Housing and the Mobile Farmers Market.
Councilmember Strohman expressed concerns about the possibility of organizations discontinuing services in Escalon if they didn't receive CDBG funds. Jaylen French explained that while the organizations would continue their programs, they might not serve Escalon residents if the city didn't fund them.
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Ed Alves echoed Sherry Hill's sentiments about prioritizing local organizations for funding, suggesting that it would be more efficient. He also raised the idea of using funds to provide sidewalks and driveways for low-income residents in need.
Development & Community Services Manager French explained that the federal funding requires a disadvantaged community designation based on census blocks, which Escalon currently lacks.
However, there is a process to potentially qualify based on income surveys in the future.
Alves raised questions about whether certain areas, like a trailer park or neighborhoods without infrastructure, would qualify as economically disadvantaged for receiving federal funds. Jaylen French explained that eligibility is determined based on census block designations or income surveys conducted by the federal government.
Alves expressed frustration about the city's inability to effectively utilize the funds over the years, questioning why they even accept them if they ultimately end up returning them unused. French acknowledged the challenge and indicated efforts to explore ways to utilize the funds more effectively, including redirecting them to local groups. Alves also inquired about administrative costs associated with handling the funds, to which French clarified that there are no administrative costs involved in this particular funding source, and the focus is on providing community benefits and infrastructure improvements.
Councilmember Strohman inquired whether the entire CDBG allocation, including the $63,000 designated for infrastructure, could be allocated to local groups instead of the 15% typically allocated to service groups. French responded that such a reallocation would not be permitted under the federal program guidelines.
City Manager Romo provided additional context, explaining that in previous years, the city used CDBG funds for various projects, such as ADA compliance improvements. However, changes were made after an audit to ensure compliance and documentation requirements. Romo also noted that many groups have voiced that the documentation process for the funds is burdensome, leading them to forego applying for funds despite continuing to provide services. Additionally, she mentioned challenges with the HOME programs, where potential recipients are discouraged by the loan aspect and the requirement to provide detailed financial information.
Mayor Bellinger closed the public hearings on both Items 4 and 5 at 7:45 pm.
MOTION – It is moved/seconded by STROHMAN/WALKER that Item #4 be tabled for 30 days to allow staff to enhance outreach efforts to local non-profit groups and assess their interest in applying, unless there is an immediate deadline that necessitates immediate action without council approval. If staff is unable to complete the outreach within the specified timeframe and if there is an impeding deadline, they are granted contingent approval to proceed with the current plan as presented Motion carried (4-1; Abstain-HAGAN). MINUTE ORDER 13-24
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MOTION – It is moved/seconded by ENGLE/HAGAN that the Expenditure Plan for the City of Escalon’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Home Investment Partnership Act (HOME) Program be approved as presented. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). MINUTE ORDER 14-24
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
6. Introduce and Waive the First Reading (by title only) of Ordinance No. XXX, amending Chapter 5.52 in Title 5 of the Escalon Municipal Code – Fees for Use of City Facilities. (Continued from the February 20 meeting)
City Manager Romo provided an update on Item 6. This item was discussed at the previous meeting on February 20th, where the City Council agreed to specify eligible city facilities and bring additional amendments back for further consideration. If approved, the introduction and waiver of the first reading would lead to a second reading and adoption of the ordinance, which takes 30 days to become effective. The proposed amendments to the ordinance, including a list of city facilities, were attached to the item for review. Additionally, an appeals process has been incorporated into the ordinance to address any issues or denials at the staff level, allowing applicants to appeal to the City Council for a final ruling or action.
Mayor Bellinger sought clarification on the listing of both "City Hall" and "Council Chambers" as separate entities in the ordinance. He questioned what part of City Hall, aside from the Council Chambers, is available for use and what renting City Hall would entail. City Manager Romo explained that in the previous version of the municipal code, City Hall and Council Chambers were grouped together. However, Mayor Bellinger expressed confusion as to what "City Hall" outside of the Council Chambers would refer to as a rentable space.
City Attorney Splendorio explained that listing "City Hall" and "Council Chambers" separately in the ordinance provides flexibility for potential future use of different areas within City Hall as event spaces. This could include areas like the lobby for receptions or other purposes. Mayor Bellinger expressed that he was seeking clarification as to whether this included office spaces or just the chambers for future events.
Councilmember Engle expressed agreement with Mayor Bellinger's concerns about the inclusion of "City Hall" in the ordinance, stating that it implies the ability to rent out City Hall, which could be misleading. He suggested removing "City Hall" from the list and leaving it as "Council Chambers" only. He inquired about the advantages of leaving it as is, to which City Attorney Splendorio responded that there is no significant reason to keep it unchanged other than avoiding the need to restart the process for the first reading. However, restarting the process would not be a major issue.
The Council discussed removing "City Hall" from the list of facilities eligible for rental under the ordinance. Mayor Bellinger and several council members expressed support for this change to avoid confusion about renting City Hall spaces. However, there was a debate about whether to retain "recreational facilities" on the list for flexibility.
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Mayor Bellinger opened public comment at approximately 8:01 pm.
Seeing that there were no public comments, Mayor Bellinger closed public comment at approximately 8:02 pm.
Council gave consensus for staff to remove "City Hall" from the list but to keep "recreational facilities" for flexibility and bring item back for review.
7. Discuss and Possibly Take Action or Give Direction on the Main Street Park Improvement Project Survey Results.
City Manager Romo presented survey results and workshop notes from meetings held on January 9th and 16th, as requested by Councilmember Ingle at the February 5th meeting. This information was compiled for review and discussion by the Council and the public. The purpose of this agenda item is to gather feedback and potentially provide additional direction to staff. The documents include survey results, workshop notes, and feedback collected during the meetings. Romo invited questions and feedback from the Council and the public regarding the presented information.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan inquired about any updates from the railroad regarding the lease for the park improvements.
Development & Community Services Manager French responded, stating that they are currently working on updating the lease agreement and obtaining permits for future work associated with the leasable land in the park. Additionally, French mentioned that they are developing park concepts based on feedback from Council workshops, which will be presented to the public for further input. Once consensus is reached with the community, the concepts will be brought back to the Council for consideration.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan emphasized the importance of having an agreement with the railroad before proceeding with any park improvements and suggested that public workshops would help gauge community interest in the proposed concepts.
Development & Community Services Manager French confirmed this approach, stating that feedback from the public workshops would inform their decisions moving forward.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan emphasized the importance of transparency and community input, noting that Main Street is a significant social hub in the town.
Mayor Bellinger expressed support for continuing the work on park improvements, particularly in collaboration with the railroad, to ensure alignment with historic traditions while accommodating new features. He suggested focusing on finalizing agreements with the railroad before proceeding further.
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Councilmember Engle sought clarification on the amenities desired, which Jaylen French confirmed were expressed by the public through surveys. French also mentioned that there were fewer survey results from the second workshop on January 16th.
Councilmember Strohman inquired about the plan to amend the current park plan based on survey results and if there was a timeline for this process. Jaylen French confirmed the plan to develop alternative scenarios based on community feedback and present them to the public and eventually to the City Council, but no specific timeline was set.
Councilmember Engle suggested including an option to forgo improvements at Main Street Park and allocate funds for sidewalks throughout the town, but Mayor Bellinger clarified that the grant funds were specifically designated for park improvements and could not be redirected for sidewalk projects. Councilmember Engle proposed petitioning for a change, noting that not asking would guarantee a negative answer.
Mayor Bellinger acknowledged this but expressed skepticism about the success of such a petition, citing the specificity of the grant requirements.
Development & Community Services Manager French chimed in to clarify the possibility of adjusting the park improvement plans within the competitive process. He suggested that if the council wanted to forego the path through the park and prioritize sidewalk improvements, it could be discussed with the grantee to ensure feasibility.
Councilmember Engle expressed the opinion that it would be reasonable to inquire whether the funds could be utilized for sidewalks in neighborhoods belonging to Escalon residents, as it seemed to make more sense to him. He emphasized the need for consensus from the community regarding park improvements but noted that there was widespread agreement on the necessity of sidewalks in various neighborhoods within the town.
Councilmember Walker inquired about the duration of leases with the railroad.
Development & Community Services Manager French explained that he hadn't seen a typical lease, but the city's lease started in 1993 and has been month-to-month since then. He noted that BNSF typically likes to renew leases every ten years or when situations like park improvements arise, indicating that discussions with the railroad regarding the lease will likely occur.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan expressed interest in exploring the possibility of redirecting funds towards sidewalks, as mentioned by Councilmember Engle.
Mayor Bellinger opened public comment at approximately 8:13 pm.
Ed Alves suggested exploring grants for purchasing the park instead of making improvements and proposed getting an appraisal of the land's value before and after improvements. He also questioned the need for expensive improvements like a permanent bathroom, suggesting portable
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toilets instead. He emphasized the community's preference for maintaining the park's current state and tradition, highlighting its use for social events like car shows and park fairs.
Mayor Bellinger inquired about the city's right of way from the road to the park and whether sidewalks could be constructed within that area without railroad approval.
City Manager Romo confirmed the existence of an easement of approximately 10 to 15 feet, allowing for sidewalk construction. Mayor Bellinger emphasized the community's desire for sidewalks, suggesting it be included as an option for discussion with the railroad. He also mentioned exploring the possibility of focusing solely on sidewalk construction as an alternative option.
Council provided direction for city staff to explore the possibility of focusing solely on sidewalk construction, obtain options from a landscape architect, inquire about the easement for sidewalks, and assess SJCOG's flexibility regarding the project.
Development & Community Services Manager French emphasized that the process would unfold over several months, with ongoing updates to the Council regarding discussions with BNSF and SJCOG.
Rein Doornenbal requested to speak. Mayor Bellinger agreed to reopened public comment at 8:18 pm.
Rein Doornenbal expressed his concerns about the park's ownership, which is currently under the control of the railroad. He questioned the likelihood of the city ever being able to purchase the park and posed a significant inquiry to the Council regarding the feasibility of obtaining grants for projects on non-city-owned property. He directed his question to the City Attorney Frank Splendorio, seeking clarification on how common such situations are and whether they are a viable option for their circumstances. Reflecting on the unique challenge of funding projects on property not owned by the city, Rein Doornenbal sought insights from past occurrences to gain a better understanding of their current situation's feasibility.
City Attorney Frank Splendorio explained that grants are typically governed by specific conditions set by the funding agency, whether it be federal, state, or local. Grants essentially function as contracts between the funding agency and the recipient, with each grant having its own limitations, restrictions, and conditions. While it's not uncommon for grants to fund projects on non-cityowned property, it ultimately depends on the priorities and decisions of the funding agency.
Splendorio noted that while such occurrences are not frequent, they do happen, as it ultimately rests on the discretion of the funding agency to determine where to allocate funds. The primary concern for the funding agency is to ensure that the recipient has control and decision-making power over the property in question.
Rein Doornenbal sought further clarification on whether the donating agency is aware of the ownership status of the land.
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Mayor Bellinger responded affirmatively, stating that the donating agency is indeed very aware of the ownership situation.
Councilmember Strohman inquired whether French had asked the railroad about the possibility of purchasing the property.
Development & Community Services Manager French responded that they had not reached that stage in their discussions. He explained that in the past 35 years, the City had engaged in conversations about purchasing the land twice but without success. Although they had conducted appraisals and gone through the process, the purchase did not materialize due to various reasons.
However, French acknowledged that discussing the purchase of the land would be an essential part of their conversations with the railroad in the future, pending direction from the Council.
Councilmember Strohman emphasized the importance of asking the railroad about this matter.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
8. Discuss and Provide Direction on the Agenda Item Request from Councilmember Strohman and Mayor Pro Tem Hagan regarding Key Card Access into City Hall for members of Council.
City Manager Romo addressed Item 8 concerning the restoration of key card access to City Hall for council members outside regular business hours, mainly for checking mailboxes or attending meetings.
Councilmember Strohman shared his perspective, noting that previous councils had such access but it was suggested to be updated by the former finance director. He explained that many council members work full-time jobs, making it challenging to visit City Hall during regular hours.
Strohman clarified that the purpose of requesting this restoration was to allow council members to access City Hall on weekends or at convenient times to check their mailboxes, not to disrupt staff.
He proposed setting parameters to ensure that access was only for city business and to maintain communication with the City Manager. However, Strohman also expressed concern about a potential disconnect between council members and staff, suggesting that key card access might exacerbate this division. He emphasized the importance of council members working together with all of the staff for the benefit of the city residents. Strohman reassured that his request for restoration was made with no malicious intent.
City Manager Romo explained that the decision stemmed from a broader initiative to enhance security and streamline access control across the city, prompted by significant turnover in staff and leadership. The recommendation was made to increase building security and reduce city liability.
Romo clarified that access cards were typically not used by staff on weekends unless prearranged or authorized by department heads. When the new Council took office, Romo sought their feedback on the removal of key card access, which did not elicit any strong objections at the time.
Romo expressed openness to reinstating access if desired by Council, with the ability to set specific
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hours or days if Council desired. She assured that access would only be granted to common areas and not sensitive or secure locations.
Councilmember Walker expressed a preference for accessing City Hall during meetings via the back door and highlighted the inconvenience of being locked out when City Hall is closed to the public, when coming for scheduled appointments or mail checks.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan echoed Councilmember Walker's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a precedent that symbolizes the democratic nature of city governance. While acknowledging the trust bestowed upon elected officials by the public, Mayor Pro Tem Hagan stressed the need for accountability and oversight. He highlighted the mutual responsibility between elected representatives and the community they serve. Mayor Pro Tem Hagan emphasized the importance of clarifying and establishing guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability in accessing City Hall.
Mayor Bellinger expressed strong opposition to granting key card access to City Hall on weekends, stating that there is no pressing need to access mail outside of regular business hours. He emphasized the importance of working through the city manager and scheduling appointments with department heads rather than accessing the building independently. Mayor Bellinger highlighted concerns about potential disruptions and efficiency issues caused by unauthorized access.
Similarly, Councilmember Engle echoed Mayor Bellinger's sentiments, emphasizing that there is no need for council members to have access to the building after hours, especially for non-essential purposes like checking mail or holding meetings. He expressed agreement with the Mayor's stance and stated that he would not require or utilize key card access if it were granted.
Both Mayor Bellinger and Councilmember Engle emphasized the importance of maintaining proper channels of communication and avoiding unnecessary disruptions to city operations.
Councilmember Strohman clarified that the mention of "attending meetings" refers to prescheduled appointments with city officials such as the city manager or development services manager. He stated that these meetings are arranged in advance and are not intended for constituents or ad-hoc gatherings within City Hall. He added that the purpose of key card access would be to facilitate access to these pre-scheduled meetings, ensuring efficient communication and collaboration between council members and city staff.
Mayor Bellinger opened public comment at 8:36 pm.
Mayor Bellinger closed public comment at 8:36 pm.
Councilmember Walker raised a question about whether legal counsel also has a key card and if their access should be restricted to certain hours. City Manager Romo explained that legal counsel, along with other staff members under contract with the city, have key card access due to their contractual agreements with the City.
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MOTION – It is moved/seconded by HAGAN/WALKER to reinstate key card access for council members to City Hall with specific parameters, such as access during normal business hours or scheduled appointments with the City Manager. Motion carried unanimously (3-2; NAYBELLINGER, ENGLE). MINUTE ORDER 15-24
9. Discuss and Provide Direction on the Agenda Item Request from Councilmember Strohman and Mayor Pro Tem Hagan regarding designing a city flag.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan expressed some apprehension regarding the discussion. He mentioned feeling uneasy about the direction of the conversation and its implications for the city. Mayor Pro Tem Hagan questioned the necessity of anything beyond the city logo being displayed, hinting at concerns about potential misuse or misrepresentation.
Councilmember Strohman began by discussing the idea behind creating a city flag for Escalon. He expressed frustration with the current state flag of California, feeling it didn't represent their community accurately. He noted that many cities in California have their own flags, prompting him to propose a similar initiative for Escalon. Strohman explained that the purpose of the proposed city flag was to improve community identity and suggested involving students from the Escalon Unified School District in designing the flag. Any student within the district, up to 18 years old, would be eligible to submit designs. Council members would then select their favorite designs, and the top five would be put to a public vote. The winning design would be adopted as the official city flag.
He further emphasized the importance of having a symbol that represents their community accurately. He mentioned ongoing confusion due to the existence of two different logos within the city and proposed that creating a city flag could resolve this issue. He expressed his intention to discuss the proposal further with City Manager Romo and present it to the school district at the next meeting.
Mayor Bellinger expressed significant concerns regarding the proposal to create a city flag for Escalon. He questioned the necessity of having a flag and expressed worries about the potential implications and logistics of implementing such a policy. Mayor Bellinger argued that the current representation with the state flag suffices, emphasizing that it's the state they live in, and suggested that those who dislike it have the option to leave. He also raised concerns about the age limit for participation in the flag design process, suggesting that it might exclude talented individuals, such as graphic designers, who are older than 18. Mayor Bellinger concluded by stating that he personally doesn't see a need for a flag to change anything in the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan echoed Mayor Bellinger's concerns about the potential pitfalls of implementing a city flag, emphasizing the unforeseen complications that could arise. He acknowledged the positive intent behind involving children in a city-centric project but suggested that there might be better ways to achieve that goal without introducing a flag policy.
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Mayor Bellinger elaborated on the issue, expressing a desire to avoid politicizing the flag creation process. He cautioned against the possibility of a divisive flag design being chosen, which could exacerbate community tensions. Mayor Bellinger highlighted the importance of maintaining unity and cautioned against creating further division.
Councilmember Walker expressed general support for the idea of a city flag, noting that many other California cities have flags featuring their seals. However, she raised concerns about the potential exclusion of older individuals from the flag design process and suggested that using the City seal on the flag might be a more suitable approach. She also emphasized the importance of representing the City positively with the flag, especially considering its visibility along major thoroughfares.
Mayor Bellinger opened public comment at 8:50 pm.
Sherry Hill expressed her support for the concept of a city flag but raised concerns about the potential financial implications. She emphasized the existing budgetary constraints and the need to prioritize cost-cutting measures and revenue generation. Sherry suggested that using the city logo on a flag would be a more cost-effective option and questioned the necessity of investing in a separate flag design process. While she recognized the importance of fostering community identity, she urged caution regarding additional expenses for the city.
Councilmember Strohman responded to Sherry Hill, indicating that he intended to personally purchase the flag.
Ed Alves acknowledged the creativity behind the flag idea but expressed concerns about its implementation. He reminisced about past experiences with banners downtown and suggested that the funding and potential divisiveness of the flag design could pose challenges. While he appreciated efforts to boost community activity, he questioned whether it should be a civic initiative and proposed the idea of selling flags independently to gauge public interest. Overall, he appeared cautious about involving the City in the flag project.
Gary Haskin raised a concern about potential legal issues regarding the flag proposal. He mentioned the existing ordinance that prohibits certain flags from being flown, despite their presence along Highway 120. He cautioned that pursuing the flag initiative could open up a "can of worms" and lead to trouble.
Mayor Bellinger closed public comment at 8:53 pm.
Councilmember Strohman indicated that since there is little support for the idea, there is no need for a vote, suggesting letting the proposal fade away.
City Manager Romo confirmed that no further direction is required on the matter at this time, and Mayor Bellinger agreed, stating that no action is needed on the item.
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Mayor Bellinger announced that the closed session scheduled for the evening has been canceled, so Item #10 has been officially canceled.
Councilmember Engle raised a question about providing information to residents regarding the upcoming general election, including important dates such as filing deadlines.
City Manager Romo responded by explaining that the county has not yet released the necessary information. The city's election will be consolidated with the County, and the details will likely be provided in May. Once the information is available, it will be disseminated through various channels, including social media and the city's website. Additionally, the City Manager mentioned that if more than two individuals apply for the available council seats, an election will be conducted; otherwise, if only two apply, an election will be unnecessary.
Councilmember Engle inquired about the recent water rate increases and their allocation.
City Manager Romo explained that the increase applied to the current bill is the final installment of a five-year schedule approved by the Council in 2018/2019. This increase falls within the predetermined schedule and was required to be implemented. Any further increases would necessitate a Proposition 218 process, involving a study to reevaluate the water system. The funds collected from these rate increases are directed solely to the water enterprise fund and can only be used for water-related purposes. Councilmember Engle concluded by urging residents to participate in voting if they have not done so already.
Councilmember Strohman expressed gratitude for the consideration of his idea, acknowledging that it may have seemed unconventional. He thanked everyone for their feedback and participation in the discussion. Additionally, he appreciated the openness of staff to consider local nonprofits for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Strohman also took a moment to acknowledge Dominique's contributions to the city over the past eight years. He concluded by reminding everyone to vote in the upcoming election.
Councilmember Walker clarified with staff and Jeremy that the current water rate increase was approved by the Council five years ago and is the final increase of the scheduled five-year plan.
After this year, there will be no further increases unless approved by the Council again.
Additionally, City Manager Romo provided additional information, explaining that there was also an increase in the garbage rate as per the franchise agreement with Gilton, the refuse provider. The garbage rate increase is capped at 2.5% annually according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and is applied every year based on calculations from April to March of the previous year.
Councilmember Engle expressed gratitude towards Dominique for making the best choice for her family and commended her for her service. He also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with her over the past year, acknowledging that her departure will bring about a significant change.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan encouraged community members to consider volunteering for social groups as a way to support and strengthen the community. He reassured Councilmember Strohman
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not to feel discouraged about his idea, emphasizing the importance of bringing forth new ideas to foster community cohesion. Additionally, he expressed appreciation for Dominique's service to the town and acknowledged her decision to prioritize her family's needs, despite the community's desire to see her stay.
Mayor Bellinger expressed gratitude for everyone's hard work and acknowledged Dominique's contributions, encouraging her to stay in touch. He also highlighted upcoming events like baseball opening day and emphasized the importance of voting, reminding everyone that their vote matters.
CLOSED SESSION
10. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation; Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2): One case
This item was cancelled.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Bellinger adjourned the meeting, at 9:01 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ivett Arevalo, Deputy City Clerk