MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF MAY 20, 2024
City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue -7:00 P.M.
Beginning Resolution No. 24-24
Beginning Ordinance No. 597
Beginning Minute Order No. 31-24
PRESENT: Mayor David Bellinger
Mayor Pro Tem Andrew Thomas Hagan
Councilmember Jeremy Engle
Councilmember Malinda Walker
Councilmember Shawn Strohman
STAFF PRESENT: Jaylen French, Interim City Manager
Jenny Thompson, Deputy City Clerk
Celinda Bickner, Finance Director/HR Administrator (FDHRA) Robert Hardgraves, Interim Chief of Police
Juston Collins, Public Works Superintendent/Manager (PWSM) Frank Splendorio, City Attorney
PRESENTATIONS
Citizen of the Month – Juan Carlos Aviles
Interim City Manager, Jaylen French, introduced May’s Citizen of the month, Juan Carlos Aviles. He was awarded with a certificate of recognition by Mayor Bellinger, a certificate of recognition from San Joaquin County Supervisor, Robert Rickman, on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, and a certificate of recognition and a challenge coin from Escalon Fire Chief, Rick Mello, for his bravery and quick thinking that saved an elderly man’s life in the Escalon Post Office on January 30, 2024.
Certificate of Recognition – Caleb Kay
Interim City Manager French introduced the young Escalon resident, Caleb Kay. He was awarded with a certificate of recognition for his exceptional integrity and honesty for turning in an envelope of money he found to the Escalon Police Department. He had previously been awarded a challenge coin by Interim Chief Robert Hardgraves.
Chief of Police Badge Pinning Ceremony – Robert Hardgraves, Jr Interim City Manager French introduced Chief Hardgraves and called his young daughters up to do his Badge Pinning.
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Escalon City Council
May 20, 2024
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 Meeting of May 6, 2024.
2. Approve the Register of Demands for May 20, 2024 in the amount of $302,037.82.
3. Award the St. Clair Waterline Replacement Project to United Pavement Maintenance in the amount of $160,477.00.
4. Award the Escalon Avenue Pedestrian Crossing Project to Dirt Dynasty in the amount of $306,261.00.
5. Adopt Resolution XX-24 Authorizing the filing of the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Claim for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
6. Adopt Resolution XX-24 Authorizing the Filing of the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program Application.
7. Adopt Resolution XX-24 Confirming the List of Projects to be Funded by SB 1; The Road Repair and Accountability Act.
8. Issue FY 2024-2025 Building Permit Allocations.
Interim City Manager French noted that, for items 3 and 4, there was a change to the change order amount requested, from $50,000.00 to 10% of the awarded project amount and those motions should be changed to include the 10% amount in the approval.
Councilmember Walker requested to pull item 4 for further discussion.
MOTION – It is moved/seconded by STROHMAN/HAGAN that items 1-3 AND 5-8 of the consent calendar be approved as amended. Motion carried (5-0) MINUTE ORDER 31-24 Item 4 was pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember Walker inquired about the location of the new pedestrian crossing and wanted to see it located further down Escalon Avenue, across from Hogan-Ennis Park and Heritage House. She did not feel that the slated location would provide the safety and access she was expecting. Staff explained that the location between Escalon High School and Heritage Church was where the project had always been slated, due to the high volume of pedestrian traffic heading to the high school for events, and had the road width to allow for the concrete median island. Interim City Manager French noted that there were significant visibility and safety upgrades being made at the crossing between Hogan-Ennis and Heritage House, as well.
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Escalon City Council
May 20, 2024
There was discussion around installing a HAWK system between the park and Heritage House, but it was decided it would be cost prohibitive at this time. Public Works Superintendent/Manager (PWSM), Juston Collins, noted that the infrastructure for a HAWK system was already available, so one could be installed at a later date.
MOTION – It is moved/seconded by STROHMAN/ENGLE that item 4 of the consent calendar be approved as amended. Motion carried (4-1; Walker Nay) MINUTE ORDER 32-24
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES
9. April Staff Updates
a. Treasurer’s Report for April
b. Police Department Report for April
c. Animal Control Report for April
d. Recreation April
e. Development Services Report for April
f. Public Works Report for April
g. Building Department Report for April
h. Water Department Report for April
i. Waste Water Treatment Plant Report for April
j. City Manager’s Report
Finance Director/HR Administrator (FDHRA), Celinda Bickner, informed the council that she had completed the budget and proposed a budget workshop on June 4, 2024 at 6pm to gain community and council input. Councilmember Strohman requested that there be an additional budget workshop at 3pm that day.
Chief Hardgraves thanked Public Works Crew Leader, Jake Cook, for installing monitor mounts for the officer workstations. He let the council know that Nate Vieira had recently been promoted to Sergeant, which councilmembers wished congratulations for. Chief Hardgraves went on to update the council on the two surplus vehicles that had been recently put up for auction, noting one had been sold and picked up and the other had the buyer drop out, so he was in process of connecting with the second place bidder. He then informed the council that El Portal Middle School had been placed on lockdown on May 16, 2024 in an abundance of caution due to an arising situation involving S.W.A.T. and firearms at a house nearby. The suspects were arrested and the lockdown was lifted without issue.
Councilmember Engle inquired about tickets being given out for jay walking. Chief Hardgraves confirmed that officers had recently been giving out jay walking citation near the high school to encourage the students to use the crosswalks, particularly after a student was struck by a car while jay walking earlier in the year. School Resource Officer, Benjamin Harrison, had been giving warnings for some time and had now escalated to citations.
PWSM Collins noted that it was National Public Works Week and wanted to thank his crew for all of their hard work. Their small crew of 8 were dedicated and prideful of the work they do for the City of Escalon and PWSM Collins wanted to recognize that.
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Escalon City Council
May 20, 2024
Councilmember Strohman inquired about weed abatement procedures, which PWSM Collins provided. Councilmember Strohman informed staff that there were lots on Campbell Road, Lydia Street and Brayton Avenue with high grass and weeds currently.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan inquired about a water leak on Fisk Avenue. PWSM Collins indicated that his crew had repaired the leak this morning and asphalt would be paved back once the dirt had a chance to dry out.
Interim City Manager French provided an update on the Main Street Project, including communication with BNSF regarding possible sale or longer-term lease of the property. O’Dell Engineering had been retained as landscape architects to help design the project and park. There would be various options brought to the council and public to consider. Staff had also met with members of the Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club to get a better understanding on how the park is currently used. Interim City Manager French also informed the council that there were two Planning Commission terms coming up for reappointment next month and applications were currently being accepted for those two seats.
Interim City Manager French then went through the goals included in the 2023-24 budget and what the status was on each one.
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.
Escalon resident, Curtis Russell, praised Public Works for the new fence located alongside 1419 Alberto Lane. He then gave kudos to the Escalon Police Department for their handling of the lockdown at El Portal. Finally, he expressed concerns with pedestrian safety in town, particularly in areas with regular speeding, and with the Murphy Ranch Project, citing issues with the number of houses being added and the extra traffic it would bring through Belleterra. He requested that a town hall meeting was held for the public to address some of the concerns. Interim City Manager noted that staff had been working with the developer to hold some sort of town hall meeting in the future.
Escalon resident, Kirk Danziger, noted that he had been educating people on the process of viewing the documents for the Murphy Ranch project. He also felt that a town hall meeting should be held prior to the annexation of the property into City limits.
Escalon resident, Gary Haskin, inquired who from the Lions Club staff had been meeting with in regards to Main Street Park to which Interim City Manager French responded that it was Robert Swift.
Mr. Haskin was concerned that more staff time and the hiring of a consultant was happening on a
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Escalon City Council
May 20, 2024
project that most people thought was dead. Mayor Bellinger noted that he never thought the project was dead and would rather the SJCOG money be put to use in Escalon than it go to Stockton or another valley city.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES (continued)
10. Annual Transit Update for FY 22-23
Transit coordinator, John Andoh, presented the annual Transit report. Councilmember Strohman requested that Mr. Andoh look into other potential regular routes within town to better serve our senior community, which Mr. Andoh indicated he would do. Mayor Bellinger thanked Mr. Andoh for his update.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. Belleterra Estates Landscape Maintenance District No. 01-1, Public Hearing on Levy of Assessment, and Consider Adoption of Resolution XX-24 Approving the Engineer’s Report Including Confirming the Diagram, Assessments, and Ordering the Levy of Assessments for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
12. The Estates Benefit Assessment District No. 06-1, Public Hearing on Levy of Assessment, and Consider Adoption of Resolution XX-24 Approving the Engineer’s Report Including Confirming the Diagram, Assessments, and Ordering the Levy of Assessments for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
13. The Estates Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 06-1, Public Hearing on Levy of Assessment, and Consider Adoption of Resolution XX-24 Approving the Engineer’s Report Including Confirming the Diagram, Assessments, and Ordering the Levy of Assessments for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
14. Sunrise Terrace Landscape Maintenance District No. 96-1, Public Hearing on Levy of Assessment, and Consider Adoption of Resolution XX-24 Approving the Engineer’s Report Including Confirming the Diagram, Assessments, and Ordering the Levy of Assessments for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
15. Westwood Country Landscape Maintenance District No. 02-1, Public Hearing on Levy of Assessment, and Consider Adoption of Resolution XX-24 Approving the Engineer’s Report Including Confirming the Diagram, Assessments, and Ordering the Levy of Assessments for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Mayor Bellinger opened the public hearing at 8:33 p.m. for items 11, 14 and 15.
Interim City Manager French provided the staff report.
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Escalon City Council
May 20, 2024
Mr. Danziger noted that Grover Landscaping had been doing a great job, but it seemed like the costs were too high for landscape services. He also thanked Mr. Clark for the great job done on these items.
Mayor Bellinger closed the public hearing at 8:41 p.m.
MOTION – It is moved/seconded by ENGLE/HAGAN to Approve items 11, 14 & 15. Motion carried (5-0) MINUTE ORDER 33-24
Mayor Bellinger recused himself from the next vote and left the council chambers.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan opened the public hearing at 8:42 p.m. for items 12 and 13.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan closed the public hearing at 8:43 p.m.
MOTION – It is moved/seconded by STROHMAN/WALKER to Approve items 12 and 13. Motion carried (4-0-1; Bellinger Abstained) MINUTE ORDER 34-24 Mayor Bellinger returned to the council chambers.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Strohman wished Public Works a Happy Public Works Week. He also congratulated Chief Hardgraves and Sergeant Vieira on their promotions. He complimented FDHRA Bickner for hitting the ground running and thanked all of the department heads for working so hard on the budget.
He also congratulated Mr. Aviles and Caleb Kay on their recognitions. Next, he thanked coaches for the 2024 Youth Baseball and Softball season and congratulated the kids who made All Stars, giving a special shout out to Elias Krumeich, Dominic Trejo and Rhett Den Brave.
Councilmember Strohman requested that, in a future meeting, staff officially change the standard change order contingency to 10% of the awarded project cost going forward. It was the consensus of the council to bring this item to a future meeting. Finally, Councilmember Strohman pointed out his patriotic shirt, noting he was wearing it to celebrate the new Chief of Police, Juan Carlos’ and Caleb Kay’s actions and especially Memorial Day, because freedom is never free. He thanked our veterans and Armed Forces and our those in our community who have had family members make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Councilmember Walker inquired if a temporary fix could be put in at Crossroads Plaza prior to the official project starting, which PWSM Collins confirmed. She congratulated Chief Hardgraves on his new official position and wished everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend.
Councilmember Engle congratulated Chief Hardgraves, as well. He also requested that staff reach out to the Board of Directors of the Lions Club in the future, rather than just a member, when soliciting official feedback for projects.
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Escalon City Council
May 20, 2024
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan congratulated Chief Hardgraves. He thanked everyone for having civil interactions and discussions during the meeting, and thanked Juan Carlos Aviles for his heroic actions.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan requested that two items be added to future agendas including a discussion on potential solutions to the unfunded liability issue with the CalPERS system, and the American Red Cross contract. Both items received a consensus by the council to be brought back as a future item. He also expressed the importance of showing appreciation for the recreation program coaches and requested that staff discuss options with the Recreation Commission. Finally, Mayor Pro Tem Hagan thanked those who had made the ultimate sacrifice for our ability to be free.
Mayor Bellinger proclaimed that he was proud to be the Mayor of Escalon based on today’s presentations and was honored to be on the council representing residents like these. He then urged residents to stay safe out on the roads as school lets out for Summer.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Bellinger adjourned the meeting at 8:58 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jenny Thompson, Deputy City Clerk