MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF OCTOBER 6, 2025
City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue -7:00 P.M.
Beginning Resolution No. 53-25
Beginning Ordinance No. 600
Beginning Minute Order No. 73-25
PRESENT: Mayor Andrew Hagan
Mayor Pro Tem Malinda Walker
Councilmember Jeremy Engle
Councilmember Jeff Kay
EXCUSED: Councilmember Shawn Strohman
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, Legal Counsel
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
1. San Joaquin County’s 175th Anniversary Celebration
Board Chair for San Joaquin County District 2, Paul Canapa, together with Supervisor Robert Rickman (District 5), and County staff, presented the Escalon City Council with a Certificate of Recognition in celebration of San Joaquin County’s 175th Anniversary, honoring the City of Escalon for its valued contributions to the County’s history and community.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Approve Minutes from the Regular City Council Meeting of September 15, 2025.
3. Approve the Register of Demands for the Month of September 9 – September 30, 2025 in the Amount of $550,369.43.
CM French noted that a Councilmember had requested a correction to the minutes.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker requested clarification on the change and the intent of the Councilmember’s statement. CM French clarified that the Councilmember stated his intent was that the City should not pay the entire cost of the [pool] repair.
Councilmember Engle asked whether statements could be revised based on intent rather than what is said at the meetings. CM French responded, no, that the purpose of the minutes is to provide an accurate account of what occurred during the meeting. Staff reviewed the recording and noted ambiguity to, and an incorrect reference on, the comment, and indicated that the revised statement reflects the intended meaning and is consistent with what was stated.
City Attorney Splendorio commented that the Council should not approve minutes that misstate the record.
But noted that the recording was reviewed and staff believes there is sufficient support for the statement.
MOTION – it was m/s ENGLE/KAY to Approve the Minutes as Amended and the Register of Demands as Presented. Motion carried 4-1-0 (Strohman absent). MINUTE ORDER 73-25
STAFF COMMUNICATION
FDHRA Bickner reported that the audit was ongoing.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker inquired if the next audit has begun even though the prior year is not completed.
FDHRA Bickner responded that staff has completed our initial side of the next audit effort and are waiting to provide to the auditor until they complete the prior audit.
Chief Hardgraves reported that McDonald’s will be hosting Coffee with a Cop on October 24th and hopes the community will join them.
PWS Collins reported that, as previously requested by Council, he confirmed the sidewalks at Hogan Park are ADA compliant.
CM French commented on two items. He noted that the Murphy Ranch Proposed Residential Development will be heard by the Planning Commission on October 14th, and later, will come before the Council. He also reported that the City’s Economic Development efforts, and in part Measure P, are focused on beautifying the City. A letter will be sent to property owners and businesses next week outlining ways to enhance the community and support economic growth.
MATTERS PRESENTED FROM THE AUDIENCE
Mr. Nate Nod from Stockton, an advocate for public transit who has worked with San Joaquin RTD for 17 years, spoke as an independent citizen. He expressed opposition to a letter written by Mr. Salvatore, City of Lathrop City Manager, regarding funding and emphasized the importance of maintaining public transportation.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
4. Introduce and Waive the First Reading of Ordinance No. XXX Amending Escalon Municipal Code Chapter 15 – Buildings and Construction by Adopting by Reference the California Building Standards, 2025 Edition, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, with Amendments and Other Uniform Codes
CM French presented the staff report, noting that the building codes are updated every three years to reflect the State’s newly adopted codes. Councilmember Engle inquired about potential issues for the City of Escalon. Brian Bell of CSG Consultants responded that, the updates include increased energy efficiency requirements, formatting changes, and enhanced fire protection measures for certain structures, and that there are no major concerns or changes that will be noticeable to the community.
Public Comment Opened at 7:33 p.m.
None
Public Comment Closed at 7:33 p.m.
MOTION – it was m/s ENGLE/KAY to Waive the First Reading of Ordinance No. XXX Amending Escalon Municipal Code Chapter 15 – Buildings and Construction by Adopting by Reference the California Building Standards, 2025 Edition, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, with Amendments and Other Uniform Codes. Motion carried 4-1-0 (Strohman Absent) MINUTE ORDER 74-25
5. Introduce and Discuss the City’s Recreation Program Fees CM French presented the staff report on recreation fees, including comparisons with other programs and an overview of the program budgets (profit and loss sheets). Councilmember Engle commended the City’s recreation program and stated he does not wish to see fees increase for Escalon residents. He noted that Escalon’s rates are the lowest among nearby municipalities, which may have attracted non-resident participants, placing additional strain on fields and staff. He suggested maintaining current fees for residents while adjusting rates for non-residents to better align with neighboring cities and help offset program costs.
Mayor Hagan stated that he generally agrees with Councilmember Engle’s comments but expressed concern regarding how the proposed fee adjustments would apply to individuals living just outside the city limits who maintain strong community ties. Councilmember Engle responded that children enrolled in the Escalon Unified School District would qualify for the resident rate.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker inquired whether the City currently charges a different fee for participants who live outside the city limits. Staff confirmed that a small additional fee (between $5 and $10) is currently applied to non-resident players.
Councilmember Kay referred to the charts in the staff report and shared his calculations comparing the City’s actual costs per athlete with the fees paid by residents. For example, he noted that for flag football, the City spends approximately $175 per athlete, while participants are charged only $65. He expressed concern that these rates are unsustainable, emphasizing that, although he does not want anyone to be excluded from recreation programs, the City is currently recovering only about one-third to one-half of the actual cost per participant.
Mayor Hagan suggested implementing changes in phases. The first phase, as proposed by Councilmember Engle, would revise fees for non-residents, with a re-evaluation of all programs planned for next year.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker expressed support for raising fees at small increments. She does not believe the indirect costs should be included in the cost recovery calculations. Based on her calculations, excluding these costs would result in fees of approximately $100 per participant.
Mayor Hagan commented that children developing skills and spending time with friends is provided through recreational sports and is an important aspect of a strong community. Therefore, he believes a strong city subsidy is warranted.
Councilmember Engle agreed with Mayor Hagan, noting that while he is not a strong proponent of government subsidies, he strongly supports youth programs. He emphasized that enabling children to participate in recreation leagues—where they can learn new skills, make friends, and build community—is worth some level of subsidy. He stated that covering costs for non-residents would be a step in the right direction, along with gradually increasing fees. He also expressed support for the $100 fee suggested by Mayor Pro Tem Walker.
Councilmember Kay inquired about the high indirect costs for soccer. CM French explained that costs are incurred while operating the City which are generally distributed across all departments. Mayor Hagan noted that even without a recreation department, these costs would still exist. CM French confirmed that this is correct.
City Attorney Splendorio noted that charging higher fees for non-residents is appropriate, as they do not contribute to the local tax base, whereas Escalon residents are already, in some form, funding these programs whether they participate or not. He emphasized that the goal is to balance the scales, and stressed the importance of clearly defining who qualifies as an Escalon resident to avoid any public confusion.
Public Comment Opened at 7:50 p.m.
None
Public Comment Closed at 7:50 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem inquired about sponsorships for flag football and basketball. CM French noted that with the move to NFL Flag Football, Junior NBA and MLSGo! there are no jersey sponsor opportunities.
Councilmember Engle noted that since each sport has a different total cost per athlete, that the rate for out of district participants should be to cover the City’s costs thus reducing the subsidy for all of the recreation programs. Mayor Hagan agreed.
Councilmember Engle directed staff to use verbiage defining Escalon residents as those enrolled in EUSD, including charter and home-schooled children, or residing in the 95230 ZIP code. He also directed that fees for each sport be set to cover at minimum the actual costs, both with and without indirect costs.
City Attorney Splendorio asked whether all those mentioned are part of the city’s tax base, noting that once participants fall outside the tax base, the fee disparity between Escalon residents and non-residents increases. He explained that charging out-of-town residents a fully loaded cost could create a significant gap.
Councilmember Engle noted that while non-residents may not pay city property taxes, they still use local facilities such as gas stations or markets. City Attorney Splendorio raised equal protection considerations, noting three levels of scrutiny for discrimination issues. He added that when the fee proposal returns to Council for approval, a resolution will outline the rationale for higher fees for out-of-town residents.
6. Agenda Item Request to Consider Adopting a Resolution Opposing California’s Proposition 50, the Use of Legislative Congressional Redistricting Map Amendment CM French presented the staff report regarding Councilmember Kay’s agenda’s request.
Councilmember Kay stated that the purpose of the resolution is to formally object to the partisan attempt to gerrymander congressional districts, which singles out Escalon in San Joaquin County, and removes Escalon from District 9, which covers most of San Joaquin County. He expressed concern that being included in a foothill district, represented by a long-standing congressman, would limit the City’s attention and support for the city, as well as political commonalities. He noted that whether the change is temporary or long-term, it would not benefit Escalon.
Councilmember Engle thanked Councilmember Kay and Mayor Hagan for bringing this to their attention and has his full support.
Public Comment Opened at 8:04
None
Public Comment Closed at 8:04 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker noted that after looking at the maps after the redistricting, she does not understand how California is trying to push this though and Councilmember Kay has her full support.
MOTION – it was m/s ENGLE/KAY to Adopt Resolution XX-25 Opposing California’s Proposition 50, the Use of Legislative Congressional Redistricting Map Amendment. Motion carried 4-1-0 (Strohman absent). MINUTE ORDER 75-25
7. Agenda Item Request to Consider New and Additional Equipment for the Escalon Police Department
CM French presented the staff report regarding the purchase of new and additional equipment for EPD, an item requested by Mayor Hagan.
Mayor Hagan stated that EPD is not fully protected against various threats with their current gear, and expressed support for providing necessary equipment to ensure officer safety and preparedness.
Councilmember Engle agreed, noting the importance of properly equipping officers to handle potential threats and that the cost is a reasonable use of general fund resources. Councilmember Kay also expressed full support.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker added that with evolving technologies and growing threats, she supports any equipment EPD deems necessary to maintain safety.
Public Comment Opened at 8:08 p.m.
None
Public Comment Closed at 8:08 p.m.
Councilmember Engle requested clarification on the total cost, which Chief Hardgraves provided.
MOTION – it was m/s WALKER/Kay to Approve New and Additional Equipment for the Escalon Police Department Quoted at $20,770.34. Motion carried 4-1-0 (Strohman absent). MINUTE ORDER 76-25.
8. Consideration of a Professional Services Agreement with MCR Engineering, Inc., to Provide Contract City Engineering Services for an Initial Two-Year Term with an Option for a ThreeYear Extension, Not to Exceed $530,000.00 from the General Fund.
CM French presented the staff report on the City’s need to secure new engineering services, the process to select a firm, and the contract with the chosen firm--MCR Engineering. Mayor Pro Tem Walker asked how it compares to the previous Ardurra contract and whether the change would delay projects. CM French confirmed the cost is comparable, indicating that City staff used the average cost of the last couple years of the previous contract to develop the new contract amount, and assured that ongoing and upcoming projects would not be delayed due to the transition, noting that MCR had already begun the transition process.
Public Comment Opened at 8:17 p.m.
None
Public Comment Closed at 8:17 p.m.
MOTION – it was m/s by KAY/WALKER to Authorize the City Manager Execute a Professional Service Agreement with MCR Engineering Incorporated for an Initial Two-Year Term with an Option for a Three-Year Extension, Not to Exceed $530,000.00 from the General Fund. Motion carried 4-1-0 (Strohman absent). MINUTE ORDER 77-25
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
Councilmember Kay thanked the Council for supporting the agenda item he brought forward and Mayor Hagan for his item regarding the police department. He wished everyone a pleasant evening.
Councilmember Engle expressed satisfaction with how the meeting went and thanked the County for attending and presenting the certificate of recognition.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker also thanked the County for coming out to celebrate their 175th anniversary and for their continued support. She expressed appreciation that EPD will receive the necessary equipment to ensure officer safety and encouraged residents to attend Coffee with a Cop on October 24.
Mayor Hagan noted that his remarks had already been covered by the other Councilmembers. He thanked everyone who participated in homecoming events and commented that meetings have become more efficient and streamlined. He wished everyone a pleasant evening.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hagan adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:22 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
____________________________
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk