ASCALON MINUTES
CALIFORNIA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF JANUARY 6, 2025
City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue -7:00 P.M.
INCORPORATED MARCH 12,197
Beginning Resolution No. 01-25
Beginning Ordinance No. 599
Beginning Minute Order No. 03-25
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 (PWS)
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 Meeting of December 16, 2024.
Waive the Second Reading and Consider Adoption of Ordinance No. XXX, Amending Chapter
2.17 in Title 2 of the Escalon Municipal Code - Recreation Commission
3. Waive the Second Reading and Consider Adoption of Ordinance No. XXX Amending Escalon Municipal Code Chapter 17.41.140 Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units to Comply with Recent Changes in California State Law; and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from CEQA under Section 21080.17 of the Public Resources Code MOTION - It is m/s by STROHMAN/KAY that items 1 - 3 of the consent calendar be approved with amendments to Item 1. Motion carried 5-0. MINUTE ORDER 01-25.
PRESENTATIONS
FDHRA Bickner indicated that the ongoing audit was going well and expected to meet the March deadline, and that the City is looking to advertise for a position in the Public Works Department in the next few weeks.
Chief Hardgraves shred that he hopes to have a new officer sworn in by February. The department participated in Operation Resilience, an active shooter drill in Ripon.
PWS Collins provided an update on the Dent Sidewalk project Councilmember Strohman brought up concerns raised by the elderly regarding access to their driveways during construction. PWS Collins responded that they confirmed that residents are able to access their driveways during construction. Councilmember Strohman requested a schedule from the contractor be posted to the City's website for the community.
CM French reported that the City is accepting applications for non-profit and other organizations for CDBG and HOME funds. Applications are due by February 13". CM French recognized that the Dent Sidewalk Project will be an inconvenience to the affected residents and that staff is working diligently to minimize these impacts, and hopes that the improvements to the community outshine the impacts.
CM French informed the Council that the City is continuing to work to ensure the continued street sweeping services.
CM French informed Council that the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 21st due to the 20'h falling on a city holiday, Martin Luther King Day.
Councilmember Strohman commented that at the last City Council Meeting he raised concerns about the Dent Sidewalk Project starting during the rainy season and felt his concern was not considered. CM French replied that in fact City staff and the contractor met in great length to discuss this issue and felt with the weather forecast, the type of work to be done and the availability of the contract that this construction window would work. Councilmember Kay asked if sidewalks and driveways were being done simultaneously or separate where there is a clear path. PWS Collins confirmed that they are being done simultaneously.
Resident Gabriella Vargas asked the Council what prompted the Dent project. CM French responded that the city desired to install sidewalks in areas of high pedestrian traffic where there are no existing sidewalks.
Ms. Vargas inquired about plan for other homeowners who have previously made improvements at their own expense. CM French responded that the proposed project was to infill areas of sidewalk where non existed prior using the City's available transportation funds, and did not include a plan for those that may have made improvements prior. She then asked which streets were affected and PWS Collins responded with the names of the streets.
MATTERS PRESENTED FROM THE AUDIENCE
Resident Betty Bennett inquired about Bill SB1037 and how it would affect the City of Escalon in terms of housing. She also inquired about the status of the 75 home moratorium. CM French responded that the City is currently working with the State on the City's housing element where these issues are being addressed and at this time there was no change.
Resident Kurt Danzinger requested a status update on the traffic signage at the Brennan/120 intersection.
He thanked Councilmember Engle for the petition regarding the intersection.
Resident Gabriella Vargas inquired about pedestrian lighting near El Portal Middle School and about tree maintenance. PWS Collins responded that the school is responsible for their trees but PW will address if there is a safety issue. She also inquired about mailbox thefts and wanted to know how the community is made aware of these incidents. Chief Hardgraves responded that they contact the residents in and around the affected area. She asked for an update on the town hall meeting for the proposed Florsheim project and about a traffic study for the intersection of Brennan and 120.
CM French responded that per Council direction the City is exploring various options for additional public input.
CM French further responded that the City continues to work with Caltrans and the county on the intersection issue.
Councilmember Strohman commented about the limited scope of the items before the Planning Commission recently, which he felt did not allow for a fruitful discussion on the project. CM French responded that there are various approvals that come before the Planning Commission, and that the Murphy Ranch project is a fully discretionary project and not limited in scope.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
4. Consideration of Agreement with Ayera Technologies, Inc., for the Installation and Managed Operations of Wireless Networking Internet Services Backbone Service.
CM French presented the staff report covering the Agreement Term, the Vertical Asset Use Lease, the Revenue Share model and Agreement Termination.. With an agreement with Ayera, the City's cost of internet would be reduced to $0. plus additional revenue.
Councilmember Engle inquired about penalties for terminating the agreement early. City Attorney Splendorio responded that each party has ability to terminate without penalty with specified notice.
Councilmember Strohman requested quarterly revenue generated reports.
Comments were received regarding indemnification and insurance coverage and how to determine customers gained and monitoring of this data, the timeframe to be active if agreement approved, service timeframes in case of outage, and the City's ability to use vertical assets for other providers, MOTION - It is m/s by STROHMAN/WALKER that the Agreement with Ayera Technologies, Inc., for the Installation and Managed Operations of Wireless Networking Internet Services Backbone Service be approved. Motion carried 5-0. MINUTE ORDER 02-25
5. Consider Approving the Appointment of Councilmembers to the Established City of Escalon Council Committees and/or Commissions.
Before selections were made, Councilmember Strohman suggested the Council consider a rotation of all councilmembers to serve on the School 2+2 Committee. The Council chose to maintain the current model.
Mayor Hagan expressed his desire to stay on the committee as well as Mayor Pro Tem Walker. It was agreed that Mayor Hagan and Mayor Pro Tem Walker would be the 2+2 Committee members meeting with EUSD.
Councilmember Strohman suggested Council provide periodic updates on their committee assignments.
Fire District Committee
City Representatives: Councilmember Jeff Kay, Councilmember Shawn Strohman and Mayor Hagan CDBG (HUD) Policy Advisory Committee
City Representatives: Mayor Andrew Hagan and Councilmember Jeff Key Central Valley Division League of California City's Executive Committee City Representatives: Councilmember Jeremy Engle
City Alternate: Councilmember Jeff Kay
Integrated Waste Management Committee
City Representative: Councilmember Jeff Kay
City Alternate: Mayor Andrew Hagan
Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)
CM French explained that LAFCO deals with annexation and boundary changes. The City of Escalon will rotate on in 2029.
San Joaquin County Advisory Water Commission
City Representative: Councilmember Jeremy Engle
City Alternate: Councilmember Jeff Key
San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) Board of Directors Councilmember Strohman voiced his interest in being on the board as did Councilmember Engle, who is currently the alternate..
City Attorney Splendorio explained the nomination process.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker nominated Councilmember Strohman. Mayor Hagan nominated Councilmember Engle.
Voting Results:
Councilmember Strohman
Aye - 2 (Councilmember Strohman, Mayor Pro Tem Walker)
Nay - 3 (Councilmember Kay, Councilmember Engle and Mayor Hagan) Councilmember Engle
Aye - 3 (Councilmember Kay, Mayor Hagan and Councilmember Hagan) Nay - 2 (Councilmember Strohman and Mayor Pro Tem Walker ) City Attorney Splendorio confirmed that Councilmember Engle will be the representative and Councilmember Strohman will be the alternate.
San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District City Selection Committee City Representative: Mayor Andrew Hagan
City Alternate: Mayor Pro Tem Malinda Walker
Councilmember Strohman inquired about the current position Mayor Hagan holds with the Oakdale Animal Shelter and if Council need to reconfirm that position. It was noted and agreed by Council that Mayor Hagan would stay on the committee.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Kay wished everyone a Happy New Year and that he is excited for things to come for the City of Escalon.
Councilmember Strohman wished everyone a Happy New Year and informed Chief Hardgraves it's wonderful to see Officer Geck on motorcycle patrol. He also let PWS Collins know that there has been a lot of chatter about the Dent Sidewalk Project and feels that as a Council and City, there is a responsibility to keep our children safe. With that being said, he feels as a City we need to look at the lighting for the crosswalks near El Portal Middle School. He thanked staff for their hard work.
Councilmember Engle wished everyone a Happy New Year and thanked staff for the council onboarding.
He felt it was a great addition. It was highly educational and beneficial. He thanked staff for all the effort and extra time put in to make it happen.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker wished everyone a Happy New Year as well and said she's very proud of the staff moving forward in great directions for all departments. She expressed her gratitude for the Dent Sidewalk Project finally being done for the safety of the children. She thanked Chief Hardgraves for sending officers to participate in the active shooter drills and to Ripon for hosting. She supports the idea of some temporary signage at the Brennan/120 intersection.
Mayor Hagan asked if this was something that needed to be tabled and make it an agenda item conversation.
CM French responded that Council will be updated as staff continues to work with Caltrans.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker mentioned that if anyone knows of property owners on Highway 120 between Manteca and Escalon, it would be up to them as a private owner to place some kind of signage on their property. She feels it is important for the citizens of Escalon to continue to voice their opinions and make their presence known.
Mayor Hagan thanked Ripon for having our officers participate in the active shooter drills. He wants to make sure staff and Council address Mr. Danzinger's questions at the next meeting regarding the Brennan/120 intersection. Regarding Ms. Vargas' request, he wanted to know if there was anything that could be done at those crosswalks. PWS Collins informed that they are looking into the situation. CM French informed that options are being explored. Mayor Hagan added that he appreciates everything staff has done and to keep up the great work.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hagan adjourned the meeting at 8:34 pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Nihile Antes
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk