ESCALON MINUTES
CALIFORNIA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 17, 2026
STEPPIN
IO CENTRA
ALFORN City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue -7:00 P.M.
INCORPORATED MARCH 12, 1957
Beginning Resolution No. 07-26
Beginning Ordinance No. 602
Beginning Minute Order No. 09-26
PRESENT: Mayor Andrew Hagan
Mayor Pro Tem Malinda Walker
Councilmember Shawn Strohman
Councilmember Jeff Kay
ABSENT: Councilmember Jeremy Engle
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
Trevin Barber, Development and Community Services Manager (DCSM) Andreas Booher, Legal Counsel
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
1. Check Presentation - Oak Valley Community Bank Support of the City of Escalon 2026 Economic Development Incentive Program
Representatives from Oak Valley Community Bank-Kimberly Karp, Greg Bulder, and Gregory Hoekman-presented the City of Escalon with a $20,000 donation toward the Economic Development Incentive Program. Mayor Hagan accepted the contribution and expressed appreciation for OVCB's support of the program and the City.
2. Municipal Budget 101 Presentation (City Staff)
FDHRA Bicker provided a presentation outlining the basics of a municipal budget.
CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on February 2, 2026
4. Approve the Register of Demands - February 11, 2026 in the Amount of $228,805.53
5. Approve Update to the Master Fee Schedule for the Fireworks Stand Application, License, and Deposit Fees, and Adjust Fees for the 2026 Year per Local Consumer Price Index
6. Adopt Resolution No. xx-26 Accepting an Irrevocable Offer of Dedication for Road and Public Utility Easements on a Portion of Real Property Commonly Known as 1230 Brennan Road (APN 225-020-450-000), and Authorize the City Manager to Execute said Offer, and Consent to Recordation in the Official Records, County of San Joaquin
7. Approve 2026 Gilton Solid Waste Management Summary Rate Increase Councilmember Strohman requested to pull Item No. S.
MOTION: it was m/s by STROHMAN/KAY to approve Items Numbers 3, 4, 6 and 7 as presented.
Motion carried 4-0-1 (Engle Absent). MINUTE ORDER 09-26 Councilmember Strohman expressed reservation about the fireworks booth fees, noting that the booths are operated by community non-profits and therefore the fees impact their fundraising efforts. He compared the fees to city business license charges, indicating that the two fees should be more comparable. He desired for the fees to be significantly reduced or eliminated.
CM French stated that fees can be reduced through a decision of the council and that fees are set through studies that evaluate the amount of staff time and administrative effort required to complete the task.
Based on the explanation, Mayor Pro Tem Walker sought clarification that processing a business license requires less staff time than a fireworks application, to which CM French confirmed that that is what the fee study indicated. The Council suggested that it may be prudent to re-evaluate the fireworks related fees to ensure they are commensurate with the effort required.
Councilmember Kay acknowledged that there are more applicants than available permits issued through the City's lottery, which creates additional steps for staff when processing fireworks booth paperwork and refunds.
Public Comment Opened at 7:40 p.m.
None
Public Comment Closed at 7:40 p.m.
Councilmembers Strohman inquired how quickly staff can gather the information requested regarding staff time and fees. CM French responded that an informal analysis can be completed by the next Council meeting.
MOTION - it was m/s STROHMAN/KAY to Table Item No. 5 To Send Back to Staff to Return with an Analysis at the Next Council Meeting. Motion carried 4-0-1 (Engle Absent). MINUTE ORDER 10-26
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS AND UPDATES
8. January 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. Water Department Report
i. Waste Water Treatment Plant Report
j. City Manager's Report (Verbal)
DCSM Barber reported on a successful basketball season and announced baseball and softball's Opening Day is scheduled for March 7th. He also provided updates on pending Spark Grant distributions and shared that the Economic Development Committee met with GO-Biz to discuss Opportunity Zones 2.0 and received a progress report from BEAM Circular on a proposed bio-based manufacturing test facility in Stanislaus County.
FDHRA Bicker provided updates on the Treasurer's Report, quarterly financials, investment earnings, and Measure P funds.
Chief Hardgraves reported an increase in car thefts in January, with officers increasing patrolling in response. Officer Gunter led the department in arrests (13) and citations (18). He also announced that Adam Westphal had joined the Department and is slated to be sworn in at the next Council meeting.
PWS Supervisor Collins and CM French had no updates.
MATTERS PRESENTED BY THE AUDIENCE
None
PUBLIC HEARING
None
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9. Consider Proposed Escalon Community Center Action Plan DCSM Barber presented an action plan to increase the Escalon Community Center use.
Mayor Hagan appreciated the report but recommended evaluating parking prior to implementation of the entire plan, and recommended consulting Chief Hardgraves regarding alcohol and security considerations.
Councilmember Kay supported the near-term ideas in the plan, and described them as phenomenal. He requested more detail on the long-term proposals before moving forward.
Councilmember Strohman commended DCSM Barber for the creative approach and recommended moving forward if costs are minimal and staff support the ideas.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker emphasized the need for on-site security if alcohol is served and noted that events involving children must be fully evaluated before allowing alcohol. She supported the concept of rental packages but raised concerns about staffing capacity to prepare, manage, and follow up on events.
Public Comment Opened at 8:17 p.m.
None
Public Comment Closed at 8:17 p.m.
CM French stated that staff will follow up on Council's comments, evaluate how the proposals can be implemented, and bring any necessary items back to a future meeting for final approval.
10. Agenda Item Request to Consider Renaming Dinosaur Park to Danny Fox Park CM French presented the agenda item request by Councilmember Strohman, supported by Mayor Pro Tem Walker, and accompanied by eight (8) letters of support.
Councilmember Strohman and Mayor Pro Tem Walker both reflected on Danny Fox's deep involvement in Escalon as a police officer, councilmember, mayor, mentor, and community advocate. They highlighted his dedication, accessibility, and the lasting trust he fostered within the community.
Public Comment Opened at 8:24 p.m.
Resident Sherry Hill questioned whether a physical improvement or name was most appropriate to honor Mr. Fox.
Residents Kurt Danziger, Peter Krumeich, Casey Silva, Krandall Vandergriff and Robert Swift, all expressed strong support for renaming the park after Danny Fox, emphasizing his pride in the park, his kindness, mentorship, and love for the community. Overall, the speakers consistently recognized Danny Fox's significant contributions and endorsed honoring him through the park's renaming.
Public Comment Closed 8:35 p.m.
Councilmember Strohman commented that he liked the idea of the park bench but noted that Mr. Fox loved Dinosaur Park and spent a lot of time taking care of it.
MOTION - it was m/s STROHMAN/WALKER to Consider Renaming Dinosaur Park to Danny Fox Park to Honor a Fine Gentleman with the City of Escalon. Motion carried 3-0-1-1 (Abstain - Kay, Absent - Engle) MINUTE ORDER 11-26
11. Agenda Item Request to Consider Resolution Opposing Any Proposed Vehicle Mile Tax as Advanced in AB 1421 (Wilson) - Road Usage Charge Technical Advisory Committee
CM French presented the agenda item request by Councilmember Strohman, supported by Councilmember Kay, explaining the details of the bill, which seeks a state committee evaluation of a road use or vehicle milage tax.
Councilmember Strohman expressed concern that many local residents commute and could be significantly impacted. He stated his desire for an opposition resolution to stand up for residents.
Councilmember Kay added that the proposal would impact everyday drivers, businesses, and the State's economy. He also raised concerns about double taxation and noted that diesel prices could be especially affected.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker stated she does not support new taxes or unnecessary government tracking and noted her support for the letter issued by Supervisor Rickman addressing these concerns.
Public Comment Opened at 8:43 p.m.
None
Public Comment Closed at 8:43 p.m.
MOTION - it was m/s by STROMAN/WALKER to Adopt Resolution XX-26 Opposing Assembly Bill 1421 Which Extends the Road Usage Charge Technical Advisory Committee and Directs California Transportation Commission to Compile Research and Deliver a Full to Lawmakers by January 1, 2027.
Motion carried 4-0-1 (Engle Absent). MINUTE ORDER 12-26
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
Councilmember Kay commended the Public Works Department for keeping the streets free of flooding during the recent rainstorms, noting that other cities experienced issues. He also praised Officer Gunter for doing an excellent job and expressed his appreciation for his service to the City.
Councilmember Strohman thanked Oak Valley Community Bank for its continued support of the community. He also expressed appreciation to staff for their hard work and commended FDHRA Bickner on her budget presentation. Additionally, he thanked the Council and the community for their support in renaming Dinosaur Park to honor Danny Fox, noting how much the recognition means to the family and to him personally.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker also thanked Oak Valley Community Bank and expressed her excitement about the partnership, noting she looks forward to continued investment in the community. She encouraged residents to shop local and support one another. She also shared her dissatisfaction with actions at the federal level of government, which she said makes her especially grateful for the strength and unity of the local community.
Mayor Hagan expressed appreciation for staff's efforts. He then requested Council consensus to reach out to current landowners to discuss their plans with the property. Councilmember Kay supported the outreach.
CLOSED SESSION
None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hagan adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
nihilebates
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk