MINUTES
JOINT ESCALON PLANNING COMMISSION
AND CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
MARCH 3, 2025
Escalon City Hall, Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry
A. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Andrew Hagan
Mayor Hagan called the meeting to order and explained that comments would be limited to agenda items only. He emphasized that the Council and Planning Commissioners value public input and want to hear from residents. After the meeting, any questions raised would be addressed in some form. Each speaker was allotted approximately 5 minutes to speak.
CM French then presented a slideshow regarding the Murphy Ranch Development Project.
B. PUBLIC COMMENT – Proposed Murphy Ranch Development Project Resident Kurt Danziger voiced concerns about the LMDs and distributed information sheets to the Council and Commissioners. He discussed the impact of ingress on the Belleterra LLMD and suggested that alternate routes could reduce traffic on Brennan, 120, California, and the Belleterra LMD. He requested that the project be stalled until Caltrans designs and implements safety measures on Highway 120.
Resident Natalie Gallegos thanked the Council and Commissioners for taking the time to listen to the residents’ concerns. First major concern is Brennan Road and 120 and presented when the last traffic report was completed in 2023 by Floresheim and it’s findings. She expressed her concerns regarding the flow of traffic on California Street and Brennan.
Resident Will Smith raised concerns about the new business built on Brennan and the addition of about 100 new employees. He questioned whether these changes had been factored into the traffic study for the new development. He emphasized that the project should not proceed until the traffic issues at Brennan and 120 are properly addressed.
Resident Marty VanHouten, from the Belleterra subdivision, expressed concerns about the potential impact of the new development on the local school district, particularly regarding how many new students might enroll and how their safety would be affected while traveling on Brennan and 120. He also questioned Liberty Ranch's contribution to the project and felt that Belleterra was being unfairly affected.
Resident Kurt Russell also addressed concerns about the development’s impact on Belleterra. He referred to the engineer’s report and raised issues with the traffic study and the safety risks at Brennan and 120. He echoed concerns raised by resident Danzigner about the effect of the project on the Belleterra neighborhood, particularly regarding LLMDs (Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Districts).
Resident Glenn Shaw raised concerns about through traffic passing his home from both directions.
He asked if there would be an opening from Brennan into the subdivision, to which Councilmember French responded that this was not currently proposed but could be considered in the future. Shaw also expressed concerns about noise from the rector building across from his home and inquired whether a sound barrier wall would be constructed. CM French responded that no sound barrier wall would be built.
Resident Kaylee Siegal expressed concerns about a two-story home being built behind her own two-story home, which could impact her privacy. She asked if updated plans for the development could be made available to the public. Additionally, Siegal voiced concerns about the safety of residents, particularly at Brennan and 120. While she is not opposed to the growth, she emphasized the importance of ensuring that it is done the right way.
Resident Dave Bellinger highlighted the need for slow growth in Escalon to avoid drawing attention from the state. He pointed out that new homes are necessary for people looking to upgrade, which would also make smaller homes available for others. Additionally, Bellinger mentioned that the development of new homes could help lower sewer and water rates.
Resident Betty Bennett asked if the new development plan would include single-story homes along her fence line, rather than two-story homes overlooking her backyard. She mentioned that she had spoken with a representative from Floresheim, who indicated that they would consider this request.
Resident Sarah Meyers expressed support for the development, emphasizing her belief in slow, sustainable growth. She highlighted several positives of the project but also stressed the need to address safety concerns at Brennan and 120. Meyers spoke with the Assistant School Superintendent, who assured her that the schools would not be overly impacted by new enrollments and, in fact, would welcome the growth.
Resident Ed Swanson reiterated the concerns about safety at Brennan and 120, emphasizing that while he is not opposed to the development, ensuring safety must be the top priority before moving forward.
Resident Helen Camper agreed with others that a traffic light is necessary at Brennan and 120. She expressed concerns about the flow of traffic on California and the potential impact of the development, particularly with 75 new homes being added. While she does not oppose the housing development, she emphasized that measures need to be taken to address the traffic flow.
Resident Larry Bunch, who has lived in Escalon on and off for 80 years, reiterated that traffic on California is already out of control. He expressed concern about the additional impact the new development would have on his neighborhood.
Resident Gabriella Vargas expressed that she is neither for nor against the development, acknowledging that regardless of the decision made, there will always be complaints. She pointed out that Escalon hasn't seen much growth in over 10 years and feels the development is necessary, primarily for the city’s budget. Vargas addressed concerns about the impact on the Belleterra neighborhood and agreed that safety at Brennan and 120 is a significant issue. She noted that the last traffic study conducted by the city was in 2013 and suggested that a new one should be done soon. Vargas also mentioned the lack of stop signs and crosswalks on McHenry to 120 and emphasized the importance of safely getting children to school, possibly via bus. As a potential solution, she suggested opening Reisling as an alternate route to 120.
Resident Ed Alves expressed that his only concern is the intersection at Brennan and 120. He believes that the development should not even be considered until a traffic light is installed at that intersection, prioritizing safety before the project moves forward.
Resident Vance Nelson echoed the sentiment that a traffic light is needed at Brennan and 120. He expressed concern that the safety of residents is at risk and emphasized the need for an alternate way to control traffic before the development moves forward.
At the end of the meeting, Councilmember Strohman asked how the concerns and questions raised during the meeting would be addressed and communicated to the residents who took the time to attend.
CM French noted that all questions raised during the meeting have been recorded and will be addressed. At a minimum, the responses will be included in the agenda packet, but other options for communication could also be considered.
Mayor Hagan thanked everyone for attending the meeting and wished them a good evening.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hagan adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk