MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF JULY 15, 2024
City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue -7:00 P.M.
Beginning Resolution No. 37-24
Beginning Ordinance No. 597
Beginning Minute Order No. 39-24
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, Chief of Police
Juston Collins, Public Works Superintendent/Manager (PWSM) 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 Meeting of June 17, 2024.
2. Approve the Register of Demands for July 15, 2024 in the amount of $1,840,695.99.
3. Adopt Resolution XX-24 Authorizing the City Manager to Approve Change Order Requests up to 10% for Public Works Projects.
MOTION – It is moved/seconded by STROHMAN/HAGAN that the consent calendar be approved as presented. Motion carried (5-0) MINUTE ORDER 39-24
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES
4. June Staff Updates
a. Treasurer’s Report for June
b. Police Department Report for June
c. Animal Control Report for June
d. Recreation Department Report for June
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Escalon City Council
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e. Development Services Report for June
f. Public Works Report for June
g. Building Department Report for June
h. Water Department Report for June
i. Waste Water Treatment Plant Report for June
j. City Manager’s Report (verbal)
FDHRA, Celinda Bickner, presented the Treasurer’s Report.
Robert Hardgraves, Chief of Police, presented the Police Department Monthly Report, pointing out that the department was currently one officer from being fully staffed. He also noted that two police vehicles had been surplussed and the funds received totaled $2.725.00. He reported that the 4th of July holiday had been largely uneventful, with one person cited for possession of illegal fireworks.
He further reported that while temperatures did not reach what was thought by some, the department hosted a cooling center at the Escalon Library on July 6th. No residents attended.
PWSM, Juston Collins, reported that the Phase 2 Sewer Project was nearly complete, with only the asphalt road left, which was expected to be completed by next week. The Carignane Lift Station Replacement Project was underway on First Street. Due to the 28-foot pit in the middle of the road, there were occasional closures of First Street, and that staff is hoping to have that project completed prior to the start of school. Well 1 was set to be destroyed as part of the Well 1A project, and construction began today on the Escalon Avenue Pedestrian Crossing Project. The contractors were hoping to work simultaneously on that project and the Crossroads Plaza Sidewalk Replacement Project. PWSM Collins expressed appreciation for everyone’s patience as staff worked through quite a few water leaks, and reminded the public to keep their weeds mowed down during this dry period.
Finally, he informed Council that tomorrow was the next Farmers Market and next week the Park Fete festivities would begin, starting with the Senior Mr. and Mrs. Escalon luncheon on July 23rd.
Councilmember Strohman inquired about the daily police report to close the bathroom at Hogan Park. Chief Hardgraves indicated that it was a scheduled call to remind the police department to close the bathrooms each evening when the park closed.
In response to an inquiry by Mr. Alves during the previous meeting regarding the efficiency of the City’s solar system, Interim City Manager, Jaylen French, reviewed the cost savings from the previous two years. He pointed out that the actual savings exceeded the estimated savings for both years, with a slight increase in savings from year to year, which was expected.
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
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Escalon City Council
July 15, 2024
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, Kurt Danziger, inquired when they would be getting the next quarterly reports for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project and the South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) Surface Water Project. Interim City Manager French indicated those items were slated for August. Mr.
Danziger also expressed concern that there was no scheduled date for a community meeting regarding Murphy Ranch, even though the developers had already met with City staff. Interim City Manager French responded that the developer had not set a date yet, but he expected a public workshop on the item in the next month or two.
Escalon resident, Sherry Hill, thanked Councilmember Strohman for bringing the senior lunch program to the council’s attention, but clarified that funding had been rectified by the county, so it would remain a two day a week program. She noted that the seniors were also going home with groceries each week. Councilmember Strohman responded that he had spoken to Supervisor Rickman and informed him of the possible cuts, which Supervisor Rickman was not aware of.
Escalon resident, Elsa Sandoval, provided additional information on the senior lunch program funding issue. She also gave an update on Escalon Strong’s lunchtime speaker program, which has been going well. Councilmember Strohman inquired how the programs were being advertised. Ms. Sandoval indicated that it is communicated to the senior lunch program and the Senior Fun Bunch was also informed. She worried about oversharing the program because the turnout on some of the events were very good and it overwhelmed the room.
American Legion Escalon Post Commander, Mike Christesen, introduced himself to the council. The purpose of his visit was to seek new veterans to join the Escalon Post, as their membership numbers were getting low. He explained that members meet monthly for a dinner and fellowship, but also participate in military burials, parades and other special events. He noted that you do not have to be an Escalon resident to join, just a veteran. Councilmember Strohman thanked Mr. Christesen for his service.
Escalon resident, Gabriella Vargas, thanked Sergeant Zambrana for his response to the feral cat situation and praised the Police Department for their stellar work recently and for the quiet 4th of July.
She asked for an update on the Sophie Lane trees, and if there was a possibility for a crosswalk at Rite Aid across Highway 120. She inquired with PWSM Collins if the SSJID pipe that runs through Swanson Park and several streets in that neighborhood was active or decommissioned. PWSM Collins replied that he would review and provide the requested information to her at a later time. Finally, Ms.
Vargas indicated that it would be helpful to have quarterly finance updates to make sure the City was staying on track, which FDHRA Bickner indicated she was planning on doing.
Ms. Sandoval spoke a second time, informing the council that Escalon Strong had received an additional grant for the purchase of scooters and encouraged those who needed a scooter or knew of someone in need of a scooter to connect with her.
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Escalon City Council
July 15, 2024
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
5. Adopt Resolution No. XX-24, calling for the placement of a General Tax Measure on the ballot for the November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election for the submission of the City’s qualified voters of an Ordinance to enact a general Transactions and Use Tax (sales tax) at the rate of one percent. Adopt Resolution No. XX-24 Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Joaquin to consolidate a general Municipal Election with the Statewide Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Adopt Resolution XX-24 providing for the filing of primary arguments for and setting rules for the filing of written arguments regarding a city measure to be submitted at the November 5, 2024 General Municipal election, and directing the City Attorney to prepare the impartial analysis of the ballot measure.
Interim City Manager French presented the staff report.
Mayor Bellinger asked for clarification on the maximum amount the sales tax could be raised. City Attorney, Frank Splendorio, indicated an additional 2% from the base rate, for a maximum of 9.25%, but the county could put their own local measures on to take part of the available 2%.
Councilmember Strohman asked staff how this measure was different from the one that failed two years prior. Interim City Manager French noted that the previous measure was on the ballot during a primary election, not a general election, that the public was minimally surveyed prior and that the reality of the budget now is evident. The school district had also placed a bond measure on the ballot two year ago, which may have affected how residents voted.
Mayor Bellinger opened the item to the public.
Ms. Vargas spoke for the General Tax Measure, encouraging the council to include an extra 0.25% specifically for the Police Department to not just maintain the police, but help them thrive.
Escalon resident, Betty Bennett, spoke for the General Tax Measure, but worried about all of the businesses we had recently lost who would have been taxed.
Mr. Danziger spoke for the General Tax Measure, pointing out that, in order for this measure to pass, the public needed to be educated on the measure and members of the City Council could not be speaking out against it.
Mayor Bellinger inquired what the city council was allowed to do in terms of promoting the measure, which City Attorney Splendorio explained that the Council and staff could educate but not advocate. However, residents of the City could advocate at their discretion.
Ms. Vargas desired to ensure that the ballot language was easy to understand.
Ms. Bennett brought ACA1 and ACA13 to the council’s attention.
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Escalon City Council
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Interim City Manager French informed the council know that staff, through a polling consultant, had conducted surveys of nearly 400 registered Escalon voters, likely to vote in the next election to gauge the interest in the tax measure. He noted that over 70% of those surveyed saw the fiscal need of the City and indicated they would support a general sales tax measure on the ballot.
Mayor Bellinger closed the item to the public.
Councilmember Strohman expressed his thoughts that, although nobody likes to add more taxes, the City needed this addition to the sales tax for our financial stability. He thought it was a travesty that the City of Escalon received so little from the current taxes collected. He noted that, if the measure were to pass, the estimated $1.95 million would come to the City of Escalon and stay in the City of Escalon.
MOTION – It is moved/seconded by ENGLE/HAGAN to Adopt all three Resolutions as presented.
Motion carried (5-0) MINUTE ORDER 40-24
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
6. Agenda Item Request – Asset Forfeiture Grant Funds
Councilmember Strohman presented the item. He presented the Healthy Room Project as an option for utilization of the funds, but noted that it would only use fifteen thousand of the available twentyfive thousand dollars, so an addition ten thousand dollars would be available towards other programs. Further discussion ensued.
Mayor Bellinger opened this item for public comment.
Ms. Vargas noted she would like to see programs other than sports brought into town. She also thought they should be geared towards older kids, who are the ones more likely to be getting into trouble.
Escalon resident, Steve Cestaro, questioned how the room makeovers could be done if the homes were rented. Chief Hardgraves explained that the majority of the makeover was in the form of new furnishings, and that the landlord’s permission was sought if any painting would be involved.
Mayor Bellinger closed this item for public comment.
It was the consensus of the council to direct staff to provide additional information into the program and bring the item back to a future meeting for further discussion and decision making.
Councilmember Strohman informed the council that the seniors would like to bring a senior yoga program to the Community Center on Wednesday mornings and would like to consider the request to waive the Community Center rental fees for this class. This item received a consensus from the council to bring back to a future meeting for further discussion and decision making.
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Escalon City Council
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Councilmember Walker thanked Mr. Christensen for his presentation and encouraged the public to reach out to the American Legion if they were interested in joining. She requested that the public take a good look at the upcoming tax measure and noted that we needed to shop local and bring more businesses to town in order to make the most of the extra sales tax. She hoped to see everyone out at the Farmers Market on Wednesday.
Councilmember Engle inquired if residents could get on the email list for the meeting agenda, which staff confirmed.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan noted that, as a business owner, he did not like taxes, but knows that there is a time and a place for them. In order to bring in more income, the options was additional sales tax or additional growth, and the sales tax was the lesser of two evils, in his opinion. He also thanked Lieutenant Colonel Christensen for his presentation.
Mayor Bellinger spoke in favor of having local control of the tax revenue while keeping the city as small as we can. He encouraged everyone to support the Farmers Market on Wednesday and reminded everyone of the upcoming Park Fete festivities the next week.
CLOSED SESSION
7. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(1): David Leer, et al. vs City of Escalon, et al.
The council adjourned to closed session at 8:32 pm.
The council returned from closed session at 9:15 pm.
There were no reportable actions taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Bellinger adjourned the meeting at 9:15 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jenny Thompson, Deputy City Clerk