ESCALON MINUTES
CALIFORNIA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF JULY 7, 2025
TO CENTI
City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue -7:00 P.M.
INCORPORATED MARCH 12, 1957
Beginning Resolution No. 28-25
Beginning Ordinance No. 600
Beginning Minute Order No. 46-25
PRESENT: Mayor Andrew Hagan
Mayor Pro Tem Malinda Walker
Councilmember Jeremy Engle
Councilmember Shawn Strohman
Councilmember Jeff Kay
STAFF PRESENT: Jaylen French, City Manager (CM)
elinda Bickner, Finance Director/HR Administrator (FDHR/ aston Collins. Public Works Superintendent (PWS
PRESENTATION
1. Swearing In of Reserve Officer Eduardo Escalante
Chief Hardgraves conducted the official swearing-in ceremony for the Escalon Police Department's newest Reserve Officer, Eduardo Escalante, formally welcoming him to the department.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Approve the Minutes from the Meeting of June 16, 2025
3. Approve the Register of Demands for the Month of June in the amount of $853,006.31
4. Consider Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with CSG Consultants, Inc. to Provide Code Enforcement Services for One Year Not to Exceed $30,000.00
5. Authorize City Manager to Execute an Agreement with MTM Transit, LLC to Operate and Maintain the ETrans Transit System for the Three (3) Years, Plus Two (2) One-Year Options Conditional Upon Approval by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Councilmember Engle pulled Item 2 and resident Ed Alves pulled Item 4 MOTION m/s STROHMAN/KAY Approve the Consent Calendar Items 3 and 5 as presented. Motion carried 5-0 MINUTE ORDER 46-25.
Councilmember Engle requested an amendment to the Minutes to fix which Councilmember asked what question for the Planning Commission applicant interviews.
Resident Ed Alves requested clarification on Item 4, specifically asking what the proposed $30,000 payment to CSG would cover. City Manager French explained that the funds would be used to retain an on-call code enforcement service as opposed to hiring a City staff member, and that the service would support the City's economic development efforts by addressing issues along the city's major corridors. He also clarified that the agreement is a "not-to-exceed" amount, meaning the City may ultimately spend less than the full $30,000.
Mr. Alves inquired about the funding source, and City Manager French responded that the funds would come from Measure P.
Mr. Alves asked when the selection for the Measure P Committee would take place. CM French explained that the City sought five members but received three applications. Mr. Alves then asked if three applicants would suffice, to which CM French stated that the Council's direction was for the Committee to be Mr. Alves asked how long the Council anticipated it would take to finalize the Measure P Committee appointments. CM French responded that the next steps could conclude sometime in late-Summer or Fall.
Mr. Alves commented that it would be more appropriate for the committee to be established before such expenditures were approved.
Councilmember Strohman commented on Item 4, acknowledging that code enforcement is currently complaint-driven, and asked whether CSG would operate in the same manner or be scheduled to be in town on specific days. CM French responded that the service would remain complaint-driven, consistent with past Council direction. The CSG representative would likely be in town one day a week, with their time scheduled based on need.
Mayor Hagan acknowledged Mr. Alves' point, expressing concern about spending Measure P funds before the Measure P Committee is established, and suggested the matter may need to be tabled. Councilmember Strohman respectfully disagreed, offering a different perspective. He cited recent code enforcement issues that have consumed significant time from Public Works, staff, and the Police Department, and expressed support for the proposal as a way to relieve staff burden.
While Mayor Hagan agreed with Councilmember Strohman's assessment of the staff impact, he reiterated his concern about the timing. He emphasized the importance of having the Measure P Committee in place before making funding decisions and stated that a proper process should be followed.
CM French explained that when the Measure P Committee was originally discussed, there was an understanding that it would not necessarily be established in time to oversee expenditures included in the recently adopted budget. The committee's primary role was intended to be gathering community input on priorities and potential uses for Measure P funds, rather than reviewing every individual expenditure.
Councilmember Engle added that if there are immediate matters that can be addressed and doing so results in cost savings in other departments, he supports moving forward Councilmember Kay stated that while he agrees with the principle of not putting the cart before the horse, there are some serious code enforcement issues in the community that should be addressed sooner rather than later. In his view, the proposed cost is not significant enough to raise broad concerns regarding the use of Measure P funds. He reiterated CM French's point that the budget has already been adopted, and therefore the Measure P Committee's recommendations are unlikely to significantly impact spending decisions until the next fiscal year.
Public Hearing Opened at 7:18 p.m.
Resident Cody Fowler expressed opposition to hiring a code enforcement officer, particularly given that the Escalon Police Department is currently operating without a contract. He stated that the Council should prioritize resolving the police contract issue before allocating funds to bring in additional code enforcement services.
Public Hearing Closed at 7:19 p.m.
MOTION - it was m/s STROHMAN/KAY to Approve Consent Calendar Item 4. Motion carried 5-0.
MINUTE ORDER 47-25
MOTION - it was m/s ENGLE/Kay to Approve Consent Calendar Item 2 as Amended. Motion carried 5-0. MINUTE ORDER 48-25
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES
FDHRA Bickner provided a report on the fiscal year, the status of the current audit, and expressed her hope that it would be completed within the next month. She also noted that the approved budget has been posted on the City's website and provided an update on Measure P funds.
Councilmember Strohman asked if the traditional budget binders provided to Councilmembers in previous years would be available again. FDHRA Bickner confirmed that binders will be provided.
Chief Hardgraves recognized Officers Palomino and Gunter for their successful arrest of two individuals involved in the burglary of the Escalon laundromat. He specifically commended Officer Gunter for his diligence in solving the case.
Mayor Hagan expressed gratitude to Officer Gunter for his hard work and dedication to keeping the community safe.
Chief Hardgraves also recognized Officer Geck for his investigation into a vehicle burglary at the Waffle Factory, which led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of stolen items.
Councilmember Strohman thanked EPD and Escalon Fire District for their hard work during the Fourth of July weekend, specifically acknowledging their effective handling of the fire incident on July Sth, commending their efforts in keeping the community safe.
Public Works Supervisor Collins provided an update on the wastewater treatment plant and sludge removal, reporting that all activities are on schedule and progressing well. He also updated the Council on the Yosemite Sidewalk and Waterline project, noting positive collaboration with the contractor and that the project remains on schedule. Regarding the library project, he reported that interior work is complete, the roof is nearly finished, and overall progress is moving smoothly.
Additionally, PWS Collins announced that Autrey's, the City's new street sweeping service, will begin operations this week and will be in town on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He encouraged anyone with questions or concerns to contact him directly
Councilmember Engle asked if a street sweeping route would be made available to residents. Public Works Supervisor Collins confirmed that once the route is finalized, it will be posted on the City's website and Facebook page for public access.
MATTERS PRESENTED FROM THE AUDIENCE
Resident Shayla Fowler expressed strong support for the Escalon Police Department, stating she is proud to back officers who selflessly serve and protect the community. She emphasized their positive engagement with residents and believes they deserve recognition and fair treatment. Fowler voiced concern over the lack of a current contract and the circulating rumors of the sheriff's department potentially taking over, calling the situation unacceptable. She urged that a contract be finalized promptly to ensure the officers receive what they deserve.
Resident Steve Castellenos expressed his gratitude to the City Council for reappointing him to the Planning Commission. Councilmember Kay thanked him for his years of service and said he looks forward to continuing their work together.
Resident Gary Haskin requested that the camera view of meeting be zoomed in closer to the Council.
Resident Richard Govia voiced his support for the Escalon Police Department and expressed his respect for their service to the City. He warned that if a contract is not signed soon, residents may take action to repeal Measure P and vote current Councilmembers out of office.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
6. Adopt Resolution No. XX-25, Initiating Proceedings for the Annual Levy of Assessments and Ordering the Preparation of Engineer's Reports for the Belleterra Estates Landscape Maintenance District No. 01-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and Resolution No. XX-25 for Preliminary Approval of the Engineer's Report Regarding the Proposed Levy and Collection of Assessments for the Belleterra Estates Landscape Maintenance District No. 01-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and Resolution No. XX-25 Declaring the Intention to Levy and Collect the Annual Assessments for the Belleterra Estates Landscape Maintenance District No. 01-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26
7. Adopt Resolution No. XX-25, Initiating Proceedings for the Annual Levy of Assessments and Ordering the Preparation of Engineer's Reports for the Estates Benefit Assessment District No. 06-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and Resolution No. XX-25 for Preliminary Approval of the Engineer's Report Regarding the Proposed Levy and Collection of Assessments for the Estates Benefit Assessment District No. 06-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and Resolution No. XX-25 Declaring the Intention to Levy and Collect the Annual Assessments for the Estates Benefit
8. Adopt Resolution No. XX-25 Initiating Proceedings for the Annual Levy of Assessments and Ordering the Preparation of Engineer's Reports for the Estates Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 06-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and Resolution No. XX-25 for Preliminary Approval of the Engineer's Report Regarding the Proposed Levy and Collection of Assessments for the Estates Landscape Maintenance District No. 06-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and Resolution No. XX-25 Declaring the Intention to Levy and Collect the Annual Assessments for the Estates Landscape Maintenance District No. 06-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26
9. Adopt Resolution No. XX-25 Initiating Proceedings for the Annual Levy of Assessments and Ordering the Preparation of Engineer's Reports for Sunrise Terrace Landscape Maintenance District No. 96-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and Resolution No. XX-25 for Preliminary Approval of the Engineer's Report Regarding the Proposed Levy and Collection of Assessments for Sunrise Terrace Landscape Maintenance District No. 96-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and Resolution No.
XX-25 Declaring the Intention to Levy and Collect the Annual Assessments for Sunrise Terrace Landscape Maintenance District No. 96-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26
10. Adopt Resolution No. XX-25 Initiating Proceedings for the Annual Levy of Assessments and Ordering the Preparation of Engineer's Reports for Westwood Country Landscape Maintenance District No. 02-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and Resolution No. XX-25 for Preliminary Approval of the Engineer's Report Regarding the Proposed Levy and Collection of Assessments for Westwood Country Landscape Maintenance District No. 02-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and Resolution No. XX-25 Declaring the Intention to Levy and Collect the Annual Assessments for Westwood Country Landscape Maintenance District No. 02-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26 FDHRA Bickner presented the proposed budgets for the LLD and LLMD districts. CM French reminded Council that this is the first step in the annual two-part process to consider district assessment levels and that the second step, to adopt the assessment levels is scheduled for the July 21st Council meeting.
Councilmember Engle asked whether all districts had been notified of the meeting, and CM French confirmed that all residents within the City's five districts are to be notified of the July 21 meeting via Councilmember Strohman inquired about the $14,840.00 in legal fees. FDHRA Bickner explained that the fees were from legal counsel researching questions throughout the process by Council and residents, and legal's review of the City's process to ensure it adheres to state law and best practices.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker questioned the extent of the legal fees incurred. FDHRA Bickner explained that she had carefully reviewed the invoices and that the majority of the charges were related to emails and communications between staff, Harris and Associates, and Councilmembers.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker clarified that the legal work was also related to preparing the report and assessment, to which FDHRA Bickner confirmed the communication was specifically for legal revisions to the engineer's report. When asked if this year's legal costs were higher than usual, Bickner confirmed they were. This year's charges were due to the extensive back-and-forth required to resolve the matter.
Councilmember Strohman expressed strong concern over the $14,840.00 in legal fees, calling the amount excessive. He criticized the original report from Harris and Associates and expressed that residents should not bear the cost of legal fees stemming from what he described as a substandard report.
Mayor Hagan inquired whether the amount in question could be disputed. FDHRA Bickner responded that it is not something that can be easily contested, explaining that each inquiry typically involves review by two to three attorneys, which drives up legal costs.
CM French shared that Staff's approach is to ensure we get things right while being mindful not to overspend. He noted that the City is currently cleaning up budgets, audits, landscape and lighting districts, transportation funding, and more and that fixing these issues requires time and money, and that continuing with the status quo is not a viable option. He noted that legal's work on the districts began prior to the completion of the reports, referencing the situation in determining who was responsible for a damaged fence following a resident complaint.
FDHRA Bickner appreciated Councilmember Strohman's concerns but explained that the services were necessary. She noted that the legal questions arose specifically because of the LLMDs. While such expenses might previously have been charged to the General Fund, the City has made an effort to ensure the General Fund is no longer paying for non-General Fund expenses.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker expressed discomfort with passing the costs onto the residents of the LLD/LLMDs due to the mistakes made. She suggested considering an alternative funding source.
Councilmember Engle expressed that all were previously informed that legal review was anticipated. He agreed that the situation required cleanup and legal guidance. He emphasized that Harris and Associates should not bear all the blame, noting that some responsibility lies with the City or previous administrations for past oversights.
Councilmember Engle then raised the question of how the Council feels about sharing the costs, given that some issues may have stemmed from oversights by previous staff. He believes responsibility should be shared. Mayor Hagan concurred, stating that accountability must come from both parties.
Councilmember Kay expressed both agreement and disagreement with prior comments, noting that there may have been mistakes in the reports, and that the City should discuss covering some or all of the associated legal fees. He then disagreed with the idea of splitting the fees by size of district. Kay firmly stated that the fees should not be paid from another fund, stressing that this is an LLD-specific issue. Using taxpayer dollars from outside the LLDs undermines the purpose of having such districts, as residents not benefiting from the LLDs would unfairly bear the cost.
Continuing with the presentation, CM French explained the associated costs for a district each year, including 1) recurring operational costs, and 2) facility maintenance/replacement costs such as walls, fences, tree trimming, playground structures, etc, which are amortized based on their estimated lifespan.
The cost of each item is divided over its useful life, and a portion is charged annually to the respective LLD to ensure sufficient funds are available for future replacement.
Councilmember Strohman raised concerns about the capital replacement costs listed for Belleterra, specifically questioning the inclusion of the masonry wall. He noted that such walls generally only require replacement in the event of damage, such as a vehicle collision, and sought clarification on its necessity.
He also addressed the wood fence between Brennan and Alberto Lane, referencing his research which showed that in one case the District fully replaced the fence, while in another, the cost was split 50/50 with the adjacent neighbor. In response, CM French explained that this is a policy decision, a typical one for districts over time. He noted that LMDs are established to provide ongoing funding for the maintenance of the infrastructure and improvements that were constructed, by the developer, at the time of subdivision development.
Councilmember Engle expressed that a benefit of living in an LMD is that certain maintenance and replacement responsibilities-such as fences — are handled through the district.
Mayor Hagan suggested that the Council address the policy regarding the City covering or splitting the cost of fences/walls with the adjacent neighbor soon to establish a clear and consistent policy for everyone moving forward.
Councilmember Strohman inquired whether residents would receive a refund if the Murphy Ranch project proceeds and the fence is removed, given that it is included in the LMD costs. CM French agreed it was a valid point and indicated that the fence cost could be removed from the assessment.
Public Hearing Opened at 8:29 p.m.
Resident Gary Haskin expressed agreement with Councilmember Strohman's remarks, stating that when Harris and Associates provide an inaccurate report, they should be held responsible for the consequences.
Resident Richard Govia inquired about the amount of money paid by the districts in the first six months compared to the total projected expenditures. FDHR Bickner clarified that the figures he referenced represent the entire fiscal year from July 2024 to June 2025.
Public Hearing Closed at 8:35 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker commented on the noticeable increases in expenses over the past several years and specifically questioned why costs for the Westwood district had doubled. FDHRA Bickner responded that the primary drivers of increased expenses across all districts have been lawn care services and water costs.
PWS Collins provided additional context regarding the increased expenses in the Westwood district, noting that over the past 3 to 4 years, there have been significant irrigation leaks within Swanson Park. He explained that these issues led to substantial repair costs.
Regarding the masonry wall, Mayor Pro Tem Walker expressed skepticism about the need to tear down and replace such a structure every 30 years in each community. She noted that many masonry walls over 50 years old are still in good condition and not close to needing replacement. Therefore, she found it difficult to justify collecting funds from residents now for what she views as an unlikely scenario.
FDHRA Bickner indicated that Harris and Associates clarified that the funds collected are intended for maintenance of the walls—not necessarily full replacement.
Councilmember Strohman asked what specific types of maintenance would be required for the masonry plan, is to ensure the City has adequate funding sources for the long term obligations of the City.
CM French pointed out that areas without such districts lack a dedicated revenue source for maintaining public assets like parks, sidewalks, and trees, often leading to disrepair due to reliance on the General Fund alone. CM French emphasized the need to strike a balance between maintaining district aesthetics and avoiding excessive financial burden on residents. From a fiscal stability perspective, he stated that staff recommends setting assessment levels at a rate sufficient to address both ongoing maintenance and future needs, and that any policy changes the Council may want to make can be addressed and adjusted accordingly.
Councilmember Engle disagreed with remarks pertaining to funds set aside for long term maintenance, stating that any structure with a 40-50-year lifespan will inevitably require repair due to factors such as foundation settling, weather exposure, and general deterioration. He emphasized that these are not permanent fixtures and that planning for their eventual replacement is both practical and responsible. In his view, it is better to have funds set aside in advance to cover such costs when the need arises.
Councilmember Strohman expressed that the current approach essentially builds a bank account at the expense of residents and believed that there is no guarantee the funds to replace a wall will ever be FDHRA Bickner clarified that it is not her expectation for the fund to grow indefinitely. She explained that if the City collects funds annually and an excess accumulates, those funds would remain in the account and accrue interest. Then, if a significant expense arises in the future, that reserve would be used to cover the cost.
PWS Collins advised the Council to consider that, while the current budget shows relatively low maintenance costs—particularly for tree care-this is largely due to the age and condition of the existing trees, which Public Works has been able to manage in-house. He cautioned that in at least two districts, tree maintenance costs are expected to rise significantly in the future. As the trees mature, the City will need to bring in contractors to perform necessary thinning, and Council should be prepared for this increased expense.
Councilmember Strohman stated he would be willing to make a motion but requested that Harris and Associates —specifically the engineer who authored the report attend the next meeting to provide clarification, as he has several questions he would like to ask.
CM French acknowledged that differences of opinion are common in these discussions and that a preferred policy should be established. He encouraged Councilmembers to submit any questions they may have before the next meeting so that staff can research them in advance and present at the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Strohman inquired if there is a deadline by which this issue must be approved. CM French confirmed that there is, noting that the item must be finalized and submitted to the County in August to be placed on the tax roll.
MOTION - it was m/s KAY/ENGLE to Move Items 6-10 Forward to the Public Hearing on the 21" of July. Motion carried 3-2 (Nays - Strohman and Walker). MOTION 49-25.
11. Consideration of Fee Waiver Policy to Waive Certain User Fees Applicable to Other Local Government Agencies
CM French presented the staff report regarding waiving and/or reducing certain user fees for the City's government or public safety partners.
Mayor Hagan stated that he believes it's important for our community to work together in a cohesive way and feels they are moving in the right direction.
Public Hearing Opened at 8:51p.m.
None
Public Hearing Closed at 8:51 p.m.
MOTION it was m/s STROMAN/WALKER to Approve Resolution xx-25 Adopting a User Fee Waiver Policy to Waive Certain User Fees Imposed Upon Local Government Agencies, Authorizing the City Manager to Approve Such Waivers, and Approving Certain Other Related Actions. Motion carried 5-0.
MOTION 50-25
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Kay appreciated resident participation at the meetings and the respectful manner of participation.
Councilmember Engle had no comments.
Councilmember Strohman echoed comments about the importance of maintaining productive and respectful dialogue. Addressing concerns about the Escalon Police Department, he urged residents not to rely solely on information from social media, and encouraged the public to reach out directly to Councilmembers with questions or concerns. He also congratulated Mr. Castellanos on his re-appointment to the Planning Commission and expressed appreciation to everyone involved in making the 4th of July celebration a success.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker shared that she is unable to attend the July 21st Council meeting and reminded everyone about the upcoming Park Fete Celebration at the end of the month.
Mayor Hagan expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Park Fete and encouraged all to attend the weekend's festivities. He also acknowledged the community's strong support for the Escalon Police Department and encouraged residents to reach out directly if they had questions or concerns with Council's deliberations.
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hagan adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:59 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele bates
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk