ESCALON MINUTES
CALFORNIA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF OCTOBER 7, 2024
1O CENTRA City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue -7:00 P.M.
IN CORPORATED MARCH 12, 1957
Beginning Resolution No. 44-24
Beginning Ordinance No. 598
Beginning Minute Order No. 50-24
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
Celinda Bickner, Finance Director/HR Administrator (FDHRA) Robert Hardgraves, Chief of Police
Juston Collins, Public Works Superintendent/Manager (PWSM) Frank Splendorio, City Attorney
PRESENTATIONS
1. Sergeant Badge Pinning Ceremony - Nathan Vieira
Chief of Police Robert Hardgraves' detailed Sergeant Viera's career progression, starting as a reserve officer on September 17, 2018, and his promotion to sergeant on May 14, 2024.
Sergeant Viera expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and looks forward to continuing his service.
The chief and other council members congratulated Sergeant Viera on his promotion and dedication.
2. Certificate of Recognition - Steve Santos for His Heroic Efforts Chief of Police Robert Hardgraves' recounted the events of October 16, 2022, where Steve Santos de- escalated a volatile situation involving two bar patrons.
Steve Santos' actions included separating the parties, disarming an armed suspect, and maintaining calm in a dangerous situation.
The Escalon Police Department and the City of Escalon expressed their gratitude for Steve Santos' courageous actions.
3. Proclamation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Mayor Bellinger read the proclamation recognizing October 2024 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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Escalon City Council
October 7, 2024
The proclamation highlighted the importance of early detection and better treatments, reducing mortality rates over the last decade.
The proclamation acknowledged the efforts of advocates, researchers, and healthcare providers in the fight against breast cancer.
Mayor Bellinger urged citizens to become aware of the impacts of breast cancer and to take action for early diagnosis and prevention.
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.
4. Approve the Minutes from the Meeting of September 16, 2024
5. Approve the Register of Demands for October 7, 2024, in the amount of $1,267,499.72.
6. Consider Approving Resolution No. 44-24 Approving a Cooperative Agreement with the City of Stockton, the Contract Administrator of the San Joaquin County Library System for San Joaquin County, for the Purposes of Managing Contractor Repairs to the Escalon Library, which is to be Funded by San Joaquin County
7. Consider Final Acceptance of the Escalon Phase 2 McHenry Sewer Pipeline Improvement Project and Authorize the Interim City Clerk to File the Notice of Completion Mayor Bellinger introduced the consent calendar, which includes routine items acted upon by a single action.
Councilmember Strohman requested to pull item five from the consent calendar for further discussion.
MOTION - It is moved/seconded by HAGEN/ENGLE that items 4, 6, and 7 of the consent calendar be approved as presented. Motion carried (5-0) MINUTE ORDER 50-24 Councilmember Stroman asked for clarification regarding check number 081406 as the treatment plan was thought to be on hold.
Interim City Manager French explained the ongoing compliance efforts and strategy for the sewage treatment plan, addressing Councilman Stroman's concerns.
Interim City Manager French discussed coordination with Blackwater on revised designs and strategy to reduce project costs below $40 million.
Councilmember Stroman requested that the finance director highlight invoices related to Ardurra or Blackwater before they come before the council.
FDHRA Celinda Bickner agreed to ensure invoices are included with the next register demands.
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Escalon City Council
October 7. 2024
MOTION - It is moved/seconded by STROHMAN/HAGEN that item 5 of the consent calendar be approved as presented. Motion carried (5-0) MINUTE ORDER 51-24 PWSM Juston Collins presented the completed Phase Two sewer line project and briefly overviewed the entire project, including the completed Phase One and the upcoming Phase Three, which consists of installing 4450 feet of 24-inch PVC pipe.
Councilmember Strohman asked about the timeline for starting Phase Three.
Interim City Manager French explained that the City needs time to evaluate financial impacts of the project on the Sewer Enterprise Fund, as well as other factors such as minimizing roadway impacts, the health of the existing line, and others.
PWSM Juston Collins confirmed that the current pipe will remain in use until the new line is installed.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES
8. Fiscal Year 2024-2025 First Quarter Budget Update
FDHRA Celinda Bickner presented a first-quarter budget update, comparing first quarter figures with the previous year. She noted an increase of $10,000 in revenue and a significant decrease in expenses, with a detailed breakdown of budget targets and actual figures.
Mayor Bellinger asked about discrepancies in current service charges and other revenues, FDHRA Celinda Bickner explained the timing and allocation of these funds.
FDHRA Celinda Bickner confirmed that more detailed information would be provided at the next meeting. She noted the goal to move to monthly expense reporting by 2026.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan inquired about the progress of reworking the City's investment's portfolio.
FDHRA Celinda Bickner reported that the system is working well, with about $15,000 earned every 35 days through efficient banking software use.
Councilmember Strohman requested that the budget and audit be made easily accessible on the City's website. FDHRA Celinda Bickner confirmed that the budget presentations will be added to the "agendas" page and can be linked from the city's website.
Interim City Manager French indicated that the new budget quarterly reports were intended to be living documents to be adjusted as needed based on the information desired to better suit the needs of all stakeholders, and therefore encouraged council feedback.
9. Dent Elementary School Area Sidewalk Installation Project Presentation
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Escalon City Council
October 7, 2024
PWSM Juston Collins presented the proposed Dent Elementary School sidewalk project, aimed at improving pedestrian safety. He described the project details, including the installation of new ADA curb ramps and crosswalks and explained the coordination with homeowners regarding landscaping and tree removal.
Councilmember Engle raised concerns about liability and matching driveway heights, which PWSM Juston Collins addressed.
Councilmember Strohman questioned the timing of bidding the project and the potential benefits of waiting. Interim City Manager French indicated that the City seeks to maximize their potential to manage all city projects and will continue to evaluate the best timing for project bid.
City At uniy heal pendi explained frater antractor is responsible for any risks for public Councilmember Strohman inquired about coordination with PG&E regarding utility poles in the project path.
PWSM Juston Collins confirmed that no relocation of utility poles is needed and that the project will be designed to avoid them.
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 thanked FDHRA Celinda Bickner for the financial report and inquired about the recreation program and baseball/softball for youth.
Interim City Manager French indicated that the City Council would consider the proposed Baseball/Softball concept at their next regularly scheduled meeting, and that if this concept was not approved, that the City's existing program would continue.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
10. Accept the Annual Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Mayor Bellinger opened the floor for public comments, but there were no comments.
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Escalon City Council
October 7, 2024
FDHRA Celinda Bickner acknowledged that the audit process took an unusually long time.
Councilmember Walker thanked her for her efforts and asked if the report noted any major issues or delays.
Interim City Manager French mentioned that the audit report for the fiscal year 2022-2023 is complete, and the City has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to find a new auditor for the 2023-2024 audit.
Councilmember Walker inquired whether there had been any responses to the Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new auditor. FDHRA Celinda Bickner responded yes.
Interim City Manager French explained that the goal is to hire an auditor as quickly as possible since all the 2023-2024 audit information and data are already available.
MOTION - It is moved/seconded by HAGEN/STROHMAN to accept the annual audit report for fiscal year 2022-2023. Motion carried (5-0) MINUTE ORDER 52-24
11. Consider Employment Agreement between the City and Jaylen French for the position of City Manager.
City Attorney Frank Splendorio introduced the employment agreement between the city and Jaylen French for the city manager position.
City Attorney Frank Splendorio highlighted Mr. French's performance as interim city manager and the benefits of the proposed contract.
Mayor Bellinger highlighted that the council unanimously supported Mr. French for the position, emphasizing their complete backing.
Mayor Pro Tem Hagan expressed strong appreciation for Mr. French.
Councilmember Strohman expressed appreciation for Mr. French's communication skills to keep the council and city departments well-informed.
Councilmember Walker also expressed appreciation for Mr. French, highlighting the significant improvement in communication between staff and the council since his arrival.
MOTION - It is moved/seconded by STROHMAN/WALKER to consider employment agreement between the City and Jaylen French for the position of City Manager. Motion carried (5-0) MINUTE ORDER 53-24
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Strohman thanked the council for considering the Breast Cancer Awareness proclamation and explained his vote against sunsetting the American Red Cross agreement.
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Escalon City Counci
October 7, 2024
Councilmember Walker praised the performance of the new City team and emphasized the importance of voting in elections.
Councilmember Engle expressed the importance of a council candidates' forum for the upcoming election and asked staff to look into the potential of one being held.
City Attorney Frank Splendorio advised that any city involvement in the forum must be even-handed and unbiased.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Bellinger adjourned the meeting at 8:21 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Luck
Jaylen French, City Manager