ESCALON MINUTES
CALIFORNIA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 2, 2026
TO CINTI City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue -7:00 P.M.
INCORPORATED MARCH 12,1957
Beginning Resolution No. 01-26
Beginning Ordinance No. 601
Beginning Minute Order No. 07-26
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 (WS)
Robert Hardgraves, Chief of Police
Trevin Barber, Development and Community Services Manager (DCSM) Frank Splendorio, Legal Counsel
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
1. Recognition of Teegan Russell, Kaiden Russell, Landon Russell, Paitynn Russell, Brooklyn Karp, Karson Brown, Nolan Brown, Liam Lombardi and Anna Baker as January 2026 Citizens of the Month
The Escalon City Council recognized the individuals as January 2026 Citizens of the Month. Then, each councilmember took a moment to praise the children and Ms. Baker for their compassion and community spirit through their efforts to help a family in need.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on January 20, 2026
3. Approve the Register of Demands - January 26, 2026 in the Amount of $649,631.14
4. Waive the Second Reading of and Adopt Ordinance No. XXX Adding Article XI, Sections 13.04.450-13.04.490 "Additives to Public Water Supply" to Chapter 14.05 Water Service System of Title 13 "Public Services" of the Escalon Municipal Code Relating to the Addition of Fluoride and Other Additives to the City's Public Water System
Approve Clarification of Recreation Program In-District rate Eligibility
6. Authorize Extension of the School Resource Officer Agreement with the Escalon Unified School District
7. Consider Approving a Second Amendment to the Agreement for Landscape Maintenance Services Between the City of Escalon and Swift Lawn and Garden
8. Consider Award of the Roosevelt Water Valve Replacement Project to Rolfe Construction Company, Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $35,140.00, Including Contingency Authority Councilmember Strohman requested to pull Item 5.
MOTION - it was m/s by STROHMAN/KAY to Approve Consent Calendar Items 1-4 and 6-8 as Presented. Motion carried 5-0. MINUTE ORDER 07-26
Councilmember Strohman sought clarification on the proposed revision to the in-district rate eligibility, especially as it pertains to homeschooled children.
CM French explained that the policy was designed to be consistent with Council's direction and minimize the need for interpretation of various unique circumstances.
Councilmember Strohman also confirmed that the City had successfully registered the family who raised the issue for baseball/softball.
MOTION - it was m/s KAY/ENGLE to Approve Item No. 5 as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
MINUTE ORDER 08-26.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
9. Measure P Advisory Committee Recommendation Update
FDHRA Bickner presented an update on the City's investment funds and the interest earned from those investments.
CM French indicated that this presentation was provided to address a recommendation from the Measure P Advisory Committee to invest enterprise fund dollars to help reduce the rate burden on residents and noting that over 90% of the City's total dollars are currently invested, including all of the Enterprise Funds.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker inquired about the status of investment accounts prior to the implementation of the new investment strategy. FDHRA Bickner outlined the City's prior three (3) years of investment gains, which were significantly lower than the following two years.
Chief Hardgraves informed the Council that based on a request due to the construction on Main Street, EPD had been working speed enforcement on Coley Avenue.
PWS Collins updated Council on the First Street lighting effort, indicating that coordination was ongoing with PG&E; the alley request from the prior meeting, indicating that staff spoke with one resident to trim shrubs to improve visibility and spoke with other residents about speeding and use of the alley. He also provided an update on the Main Street Park project, which remains on schedule. Then shared that the updated batting cages at Hogan Park will be ready in time for the upcoming baseball and softball season.
CM French informed Council that the City has been approved for a $1.1 million Community Project Funding (CPF) grant through Representative Josh Harder's office to support the surface water project.
Public Comment Opened at 7:46 p.m.
None
Public Comment Closed at 7:46 p.m.
MATTERS PRESENTED BY THE AUDIENCE
None
PUBLIC HEARING
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
10. Agenda Request to Discuss Rental Policy and Rental Fees for the Escalon Community Center CM French provided the staff report. Councilmember Strohman expressed his intent for the item, suggesting that current rental rates may discourage various residents from using the Community Center, and that lowering the fees could increase facility usage by local individuals and community organizations, particularly on weekends.
Mayor Hagan expressed uncertainty that lowering the rental price would significantly increase the number of reservations. Councilmember Kay asked if the City tracks inquiries compared to completed rentals, to which CM French responded that the City was not currently tracking such incidents, noting that most would not initiate the process and then back out, but are familiar with the rates and would not initiate.
Councilmember Engle stated that most similar venues carry significant rates and noted that fewer local organizations currently exist which may explain a lack of usage. He indicated that the City's pricing is reasonable and suggested reaching out to event organizers to determine whether cost is a barrier.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker encouraged community members who are considering using the community center to not let the cost be a deterrent, and to bring rate reduction requests to the Council for individual consideration. She then stated that the current rates are comparable to other communities.
Councilmember Strohman stated that a community center should be used for community events and sought ways to increase its use.
The Council provided general consensus for staff to develop ideas to increase use, which could include polling the community on its use, rates, improved marketing, and researching other uses and bring back options for Council consideration.
Public Comment Opened at 8:15 p.m.
Resident Cody Fowler noted that the high school typically holds its prom outside City limits and wondered if this was an opportunity for use.
Resident Sherry Hill inquired whether waiving or reducing fees for fundraising events supporting local families in need could be considered
Public Comment Closed at 8:17 p.m.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Kay had no comments.
Councilmember Strohman thanked the children and Anna Baker for supporting the family affected by a house fire. He then requested consensus to discuss and consider a Resolution, with notification to State representatives, proposing Assembly Bill 1421, regarding a proposed vehicle mileage tax, which the Council supported.
Councilmember Engle shared that the Escalon Lions Club will host a student speaker contest on the subject "Youth Mental Health". He then asked for Council input on the City's attendance at the SJCOG One Voice Summit in Washington, D.C., in May. Mayor Hagan expressed support as long as it benefits the community and fits within the budget, leading to discussion on budget, potential projects, and alternate attendance.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker and Mayor Hagan both acknowledged and thanked the children and Anna Baker for their community service. Mayor Hagan sought Council support to direct staff to contact De Ruosi Nut regarding about a potential partnership to develop parking for their business and the City's recreation program.
CLOSED SESSION
None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hagan adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:33 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk