ESCALON MINUTES
CALIFORNLA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 2024
City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue -7:00 P.M.
INCORPORATED MARCH 12, 1957
Beginning Resolution No. 50-24
Beginning Ordinance No. 599
Beginning Minute Order No. 68-24
PRESENT: Mayor Andrew Hagan
Mayor Pro Tem Malinda Walker
Councilmember Jeremey Engle
Councilmember Shawn Strohman
Councilmember Jeff Kay
STAFF PRESENT: Jaylen French, City Manager (CM)
Celinda Bickner, Finance Director/HR Administrator (FDHRA) Juston Collins, Public Works Superintendent/Manager (PWSM) Robert Hardgraves, Chief of Police
Frank Splendorio, City Attorney
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk
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 Meeting of December 9, 2024
2. Approve the Register of Demands for December 16, 2024 in the amount of $114,098.81
3. Consider Final Acceptance of the St. Clair Waterline Project and Authorize the Deputy City Clerk to File the Notice of Completion
4. Consider Final Acceptance of the Escalon Avenue Pedestrian Project and Authorize the Deputy City Clerk to File the Notice of Completion
5. Consideration of Awarding the Dent Elementary Area Sidewalk Infill Project to Taylor Backhoe Services, Inc.
6. Consideration of Appointing Applicant as the Escalon Representative to the San Joaquin County Mosquito Vector Control Board for a Four Year Term
7. Consideration of Appointing Applicant as the Escalon Representative to the San Joaquin Council of Governments' Citizen Advisory Committee for a Four-Year Term Mayor Hagan introduced the consent calendar, which includes routine items acted upon by a single action
MOTION - It is m/s by STROHMAN/WALKER that items 1 - 7 of the consent calendar be approved as presented. Motion carried 5-0. MINUTE ORDER 67-24.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
8. December Staff Updates
Treasurer's Report for October and November
b. Police Department Report for October and November
c. Animal Control Report for October and November
d. Recreation Department Report for October and November e. Development Services Report for October and November f. Public Works Report for October and November
g. Building Department Report for October and November
h. Water Department Report for October and November
1. Waste Water Treatment Plant Report for October and November j. City Manager's Report (verbal)
FDHRA Bickner noted staff is onboarding the City auditors. She then presented the October and November treasurer's reports.
Chief of Police Hardgraves noted that two candidates are in backgrounds for a full-time and reserve officer position. Last month Officer Palomino led the department in arrests and citations.
PWSM Collins shared that the City does not have a leaf pickup program and reminded the community to place fallen leaves in the green waste cans. He also recognized the public works team for their handling of the recent storms. He then presented a slideshow of the completion of the St. Clair Waterline Project and the Escalon Pedestrian Crossing Project.
Councilmember Strohman inquired about the project in front of Trinity Church and was provided a project update. Councilmember Strohman asked about the PG&E roadwork which is upgrade work to their main line and metering in McHenry. Strohman then inquired about the Dent Elementary Sidewalk project and voiced concerns about starting in the rainy season. PWSM Collins shared that there is a pre-construction meeting next week and more information will be available after that meeting.
CM French shared that Gilton has informed the City that they will no longer provide street sweeping services after 2024. The City is working diligently to find a new service and has reached out to private providers and other cities who are also impacted. The City does have their own street sweeper, which could be used in the interim.
CM French noted that Hogan Park will close temporarily for turf maintenance.
MATTERS PRESENTED FROM THE AUDIENCE
Escalon Resident Gabriella Vargas asked about emergency contact information in case of flooding.
PWSM Collins provided the 24 hour non-emergency dispatch number ((209) 838-7093). She also asked if the new crosswalk at the high school flashes on the road and sign, to which PWSM Collins noted only on the signs.
Escalon Resident Gary Haskin desired to communicate to the community about the not blowing leaves into the street to help with drainage during bad weather.
Escalon Resident Natalie Gallegos raised concerns about the Murphy Ranch community workshop. She believed additional information was needed and questions answered before the project moves forward to the decision phase.
CM French noted her concerns and indicated the typical next step is to incorporate those into the review of the application and the Planning Commission deliberations.
Councilmember Strohman asked how the City could get information out to the constituents to let them know that their concerns have been heard and how those concerns would be addressed through the consideration process.
Escalon Resident Gabriella Vargas thanked Officer Geck for patrolling First Street and being so visible. She raised concerns about children's safety at the Christmas parade when they try to grab thrown candy. She wanted to know where she could find the City's natural disaster plan. She had concerns about the crosswalk on First Street near El Portal Middle School and wanted to know the process of possibly getting flashing streetlights at that crossing. She also commented that making a right turn at the railroad crossing on McHenry coming in to town is a hazard. She hopes some kind of signage can be placed to direct traffic.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. Introduce and Waive the First Reading by Title Only and Conduct a Public Hearing for Ordinance No. XXX, Amending Section 17.41.140 of the Municipal Code Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units to Comply with Recent Changes in State Law; and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from CEQA Under Section 21080.17 of the Public Resources Code
CM French presented the two state laws, AB 2533 and SB 1211 that will take effect January 1, 2025. He informed Council that the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider the proposed ordinance and recommended approval to the City Council.
City Attorney Splendorio explained that if not adopted, the City's existing ADU Ordinance would become invalid and default back to the State's more stringent requirements.
Councilmember Strohman asked if the Planning Commission had a discussion about this and CM French let him know that there were not any major concerns and recommended the adoption.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker asked for clarification that if they do not accept this ordinance, the City's standards in City Code would become invalid and revert to the State. City Attorney Splendorio confirmed that was correct.
Councilmember Kay understands that if this defaulted to state law, that essentially you could have someone build four (4) ADUs stacked on top of each other on your neighboring fence line whereas the easements and setbacks would remain in place if Council were to adopt this ordinance as written. City Attorney Splendorio confirmed this statement.
Public Hearing was opened by Mayor Hagan at 7:43 p.m.
Escalon Resident Sherry Hill inquired about the affect this ordinance would have on existing ADUs. CM French noted this would have little to no impact on her property.
Public Hearing was closed by Mayor Hagan at 7:47 p.m.
MOTION - It is m/s by STROHMAN/KAY to Waive the First Reading by Title Only and Conduct a Public Hearing for Ordinance No. XXX, Amending Section 17.41.140 of the Municipal Code Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units to Comply with Recent Changes in State Law; and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from CEQA Under Section 21080.17 of the Public Resources Code be approved as presented. MOTION carried 5-
0. ORDINANCE NO. 597
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
10. Consider Adopting Resolution No. XX-24 Authorizing the Execution of Agreements and Resolution No. XX-24 for the Examination of Confidential Records of the Local Transaction and Use Tax (Measure P)
CM French presented it as stated in the staff report. It is in essence, the coordination with the State Department administering the sales tax (CDTFA). The council will pass a resolution authorizing the execution of agreements with CDTFA so they can administer the tax.
Councilmember Strohman commented that looking at the voting results, he wanted to thank the constituents for passing this measure and that the council will do their best to be financial stewards of that extra 1% sales tax.
MOTION - It was m/s by WALKER/STROHMAN to adopt Resolution No. XX-24 Authorizing the Execution of Agreements and Resolution No. XX-24 for the Examination of Confidential Records of the Local Transaction and Use Tax (Measure P). MOTION passed 5-0.
RESOLTUION NO. 49-24
11. Introduce and Waive the First Reading by Title Only of Ordinance No. XXX, Amending Chapter 2.17 in Title 2 of the Escalon Municipal Code - Recreation Commission CM French presented the Ordinance based on Council direction from a prior meeting. The ordinance amendment would change the provision from three applicants residing in the city limits to two residing within the city limits meaning that three could live outside the city limits but within the school district boundaries.
Councilmember Strohman inquired about next steps, including another interview. It was decided additional interviews would not be necessary.
MOTION - It was m/s by STROHMAN/WALKER to Introduce and Waive the First Reading by Title Only of Ordinance No. XXX, Amending Chapter 2.17 in Title 2 of the Escalon Municipal Code - Recreation Commission. MOTION passed 5-0. ORDIANCE NO. 598
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Kay congratulated the Chamber on the Christmas Parade and their organization.
He also thanked the Council and former City Mayor Bellinger for including him on the parade float. He recognized Angel Cornejo for their remarkable Christmas event.
Councilmember Strohman congratulated Gracie Marx and Gary Haskin on their reappointments and dedication to the community. He also thanked the Chamber, volunteers and community members for the Christmas Parade on Main. He reported that he, along with Mayor Hagan, attended the School District 2+2 monthly meeting. He sought support regarding additional meeting(s) for the proposed Murphy Ranch project.
Mayor Hagan felt it is important for the community voices to be heard and supported Councilmember Strohman on his request to have an open forum.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker congratulated those involved for Christmas on Main, and thanked the citizens of Escalon for passing Measure P.
Mayor Hagan expressed his gratitude for the hard work that went into Christmas on Main. He also thanked Officer Palomino for his work. He then suggested staff look into signage or striping near the train track at McHenry.
Councilmember Strohman supported Mayor Hagan's idea and asked if this is Caltrans jurisdiction.
PWSM Collins indicated that a solution would be coordinated with the City, Caltrans and the railroad
Mayor Hagan raised the issue of becoming a charter city, as he feels this Council should understand the pros and cons. Mayor Pro Tem Walker and Councilmember Strohman supported the idea of having a discussion on this matter.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hagan adjourned the meeting at 8:04 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
michele bates
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk