ESCALON MINUTES
CALIFORNLA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF OCTOBER 20, 2025
City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue -7:00 P.M.
INCORPORATED MARCH 17, 1957
Beginning Resolution No. 54-25
Beginning Ordinance No. 600
Beginning Minute Order No. 78-25
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)
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
A Proclamation of the Escalon City Council Recognizing the Month of October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Councilmember Strohman thanked the Council and the City for recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, noting that the disease has personally affected his family and many other families. He emphasized the importance of early detection and encouraged community members to get screened.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approve Minutes from the Regular City Council Meeting of October 6, 2025.
2. Approve the Register of Demands for the Month of October 1-13, 2025 in the Amount of $797,074.05.
3. Review and Accept the Citizen's Advisory Third Quarter Report
4. Consider Awarding the Main Street Bike and Pedestrian Improvement Project to George Reed, Inc.
5. Measure K Cooperative Agreement with the City of Escalon for Bus Transit Operations and Park and Ride Lot Improvements
Councilmember Strohman stated that he would be abstaining from Item 1.
MOTION - it was m/s by ENGLE/KAY to Approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried 5-0 (Items 2-5). Motion carried 4-0-1 (Item 1- Strohman Abstained). MINUTE ORDER 78-25 Mayor Pro Tem Walker inquired about the construction start date for the Main Street Project. PWS Collins responded that the project would begin directly after the Christmas on Main event and be completed prior to any events the following year.
STAFF COMMUNICATION
6. September Updates
a. Treasurer's Report
b. Police Department Report
c. Animal Control Report
d. Recreation Report
e. Development Services Report
f. Public Works Report
g. Building Department
h. Waste Water Treatment Plant Report
i. City Manager's Report (Verbal)
FDHRA Bickner reviewed the Treasurer's Monthly and Quarterly Reports, noting that the reports included additional detail in response to resident requests.
Councilmember Strohman inquired about midyear budget projections, to which FDHRA Bickner responded that the City is tracking and does not expect any major changes.
Chief Hardgraves reported an increase in thefts over the past month, including five incidents at the self- storage facility, and shared that the suspects were apprehended. He thanked the officers involved for their hard work and dedication given their demanding schedules.
MATTERS PRESENTED FROM THE AUDIENCE
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. XX-25 Adopting the 2026 San Joaquin County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Fee Schedule as Adjusted Pursuant to the Updated Financial Analysis Model for the San Joaquin County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan CM French presented the staff report, noting that annually the City works with the San Joaquin Council of Governments on this pass through fee option for new development, and introduced Kim Anderson from SJCOG, who was present to answer any questions from the Council.
Councilmember Strohman asked whether the fee was a flat rate applied to all projects regardless of size.
CM French clarified that the fee is assessed on a per-acre basis.
MOTION - it was m/s by STROHMAN/ENGLE to Adopt Resolution XX-25 Adopting the 2026 San Joaquin County Multispecies Habitat Conservation Fee Schedule as Adjusted Pursuant to the Update Financial Analysis Model for the San Joaquin County Multispecies Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan. Motion carried 5-0. MINUTE ORDER 79-25
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
8. Discuss Recreation Fee Options and If Agree to a Preferred Option Approve Recreation Fee Schedule
CM French presented the staff report, which was a continuation from the prior meeting. He presented three (3) proposed fee options for Council's consideration.
Councilmember Engle requested clarification on the charted fees for out-of-town residents. He noted that previous rate increases had received some pushback and expressed that, while he agrees an increase is Mayor Pro Tem Walker expressed support for moving toward the level of Option B. She advocated providing residents with advance notice to avoid a substantial one-season increase, and inquired about program participation trends, which CM French confirmed have increased over the past three years. She emphasized balancing fee adjustments to ensure they are appropriate without discouraging participation and suggested maintaining the out-of-town resident fee at $50, with incremental increases for other fees set at $50 above the resident rates.
Councilmember Strohman sought clarification of the out-of-district fee. CM French confirmed, and noted staff's interpretation of the Council direction on the out of district boundaries, including those that live within the Escalon ZIP code and students enrolled in the Escalon school district. Councilmember Strohman inquired whether this included charter school students and those who are homeschooled. City Attorney Splendorio confirmed this interpretation.
Councilmember Kay remarked that, based on the fee schedule, the programs are not a true subsidy, as the City is covering more than half of participant costs (e.g., baseball costs $205 per participant, with a tee of $55). He emphasized the need to adjust fees so that participants cover at least 50% of program costs. While he supports phasing in increases to avoid pricing out participants, he noted that program costs have risen over the years while fees have remained unchanged
Councilmember Strohman recommended postponing fee decisions for baseball and softball due to potential transition to Little League, while supporting discussion of basketball, flag football, and soccer fees to avoid confusing residents.
CM French noted that baseball and softball registration is scheduled to open on November 1, with some flexibility due to the extended registration period. He added that a community led effort is planning a workshop to discuss this issue, tentatively scheduled for late October, and indicated that a decision should be reached within the next 4-6 weeks. Councilmember Engle asked about cost discrepancies; CM French stated that the community led effort desired to keep the fees near $100, with final feasibility pending review.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker indicated that she favored Option B, as it covers the City's direct costs in Recreation. Regarding the proposed Little League, she emphasized that it is a community-driven initiative rather than a city program. She recommended continuing with the regular baseball and softball season as scheduled until the Little League officially begins registration. She commended the community's initiative to expand youth opportunities.
Councilmember Engle remarked that the process is already behind schedule, similar to the previous year which led to issues, and agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Walker that any change to baseball/softball should occur the following year. He then recommended a workshop to ensure a smooth transition rather than rushing and risking decreased participation. After considering the discussion, he agreed that fees should be increased and noted that the comments had influenced his perspective on the options presented. He expressed support for Option A, which would implement a $5 annual increase until reaching at least 50% cost recovery, as referenced by Councilmember Kay. He emphasized his commitment to supporting youth programs, adding that while he is generally not in favor of government subsidies, he is willing to adjust his stance to promote youth participation and activity.
Public Comment Opened at 7:50 p.m.
None
Public Comment Closed at 7:50 p.m.
Mayor Hagan reiterated his preference to phase in the fee schedule and emphasized the importance of establishing a method to verify out-of-town registrations. He directed staff to develop a process to accurately confirm nonresident participants.
OTION - it was m/s HAGAN/KAY to Approve $5.00 Annual Fee Increases for the Resident Rate, ai nement an Out of District ree which Covers the Civ's rull Cost tor wach sports Program tor No Residents. Motion carried 4-1-0 (Nay - Walker) MINUTE ORDER 80-25 City Attorney Splendorio confirmed with FDHRA Bickner that the discussed fees are included in the major fee schedule, which will be amended and returned to Council for formal approval, a confirmation Bickner affirmed. He clarified to Council that at this time they were providing direction only and were not formally approving the fees, which will be approved later as part of the updated fee schedule.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
a grecimember Kay appreciated the conversation and consensus during the meeting and wished everyone Councilmember Strohman commented on the State of the County address at UOP, finding it very educational.
Councilmember Engle requested consensus to bring forward a proposal for reduced fees for a class reunion to be held at the Community Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker had no comments.
Mayor Hagan wished everyone a good evening.
There being no further comments, Council adjourned into Closed Session at 8:01 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
9. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Gov't Code 854957) Agency Designated Representatives: City Attorney
Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hagan adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:46 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
: nichelebates
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk