MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF MARCH 2, 2026
City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue -7:00 P.M.
Beginning Resolution No. 12-26
Beginning Ordinance No. 601
Beginning Minute Order No. 13-26
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 (PWS)
Robert Hardgraves, Chief of Police
Trevin Barber, Development and Community Services Manager (DCSM) Frank Splendorio, Legal Counsel
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
1. Swearing In of Officer Adam Westphal
Chief Hardgraves conducted the official swearing-in of Officer Westphal. The Council congratulated him on his new position and welcomed him and his family to Escalon.
2. Strategic Plan Quarterly Update
Staff provided the fourth quarterly status update on the City of Escalon Strategic Plan’s strategic priority areas (Economic Development, Fiscal Stability, Public Safety and Infrastructure).
CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on February 17, 2026
4. Approve the Register of Demands – February 24, 2026 in the Amount of $1,056,899.30
5. Rename Dinosaur Park to Danny Fox Memorial Park
6. Opposition to Assembly Bill 1421 (Wilson)
7. Consider Adopting Resolution Nos. XX-26 and XX-26 Accepting Easement Deeds for Public Utility Purposes on Portions of Real Property Identified as APNs 227-180-420-000 and 227-180- 350-000, Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Certificates of Acceptance; and Consent to Recordation in the Official Records of the County of San Joaquin
8. Consider Final Acceptance of the Roosevelt Water Valve Replacement Project and Authorize the Deputy City Clerk to File the Notice of Completion
MOTION: it was m/s by STROHMAN/KAY to Approve the Consent Calendar as Presented.
Motion carried 5-0. MINUTE ORDER 13-26
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS AND UPDATES
DCSM Barber provided an update to council on two matters previously requested by council, including holding meetings with property owners of vacant lots within the City to provide support if needed and open lines of communication; and notifications to potential Spark Grant applicants regarding the County’s delayed disbursements of grant dollars.
PWS Collins shared that the hydroseeding effort at Main Street Park is scheduled for this week. He expressed appreciation for the Public Works team’s significant efforts to prepare the area for this work. He added that the sidewalk project along Main Street is nearing completion. He then reported that staff has made progress with PG&E on installing a new street light on First Street, east of El Portal Middle School and expects it to be installed in the next couple of months.
MATTERS PRESENTED BY THE AUDIENCE
Resident Sherry Hill thanked Council and staff for their efforts, expressing her appreciation for everything they do for the City and for maintaining open communication with residents.
Resident Matthew Orr read an email he previously sent to Council regarding contracting with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. The emailed expressed concerns regarding the police department’s ability to respond effectively to critical incidents.
PUBLIC HEARING
9. Introduce and Waive the First Reading (by title only) of Ordinance No. XXX Amending Section
17.41.140 of the Escalon Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units to Comply with Recent Changes in State Law, and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from CEQA under Public Resources Code § 21080.17 Prior to the item, Councilmember Engle recused himself as he intends to build ADUs in the City.
DCSM Barber presented the staff report regarding recent changes in State law pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs).
Councilmember Strohman commented that he is aware of discussion within the community regarding this ordinance and wanted to clarify that its adoption would help maintain local control. He noted that if the ordinance is not passed, all ADU regulations would default to State law.
Mayor Hagan inquired about the number of ADUs that are constructed each year, to which CM French responded that the City typically processes less than 10 per year.
Public Comment Opened at 7:47 p.m.
Resident Gary Haskin asked whether ADUs are counted toward the City’s growth ordinance. CM French responded that ADUs are exempt from the count. Mr. Haskin then inquired whether that exemption could be changed.
Public Comment Closed at 7:49 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker confirmed that a multi-unit property, such as a duplex, is counted as two units. CM French confirmed the statement. She then asked about counting ADUs toward the Ordinance. CM French responded that the matter would be addressed as part of the City’s Housing Element.
Public Comment Re-Opened at 7:50
Resident Gary Haskin stated that he was agreeable to addressing the matter as part of the Housing Element.
Public Comment Closed at 7:50 p.m.
Mayor Hagan asked that the matter be looked into and be brought back to Council.
MOTION – it was m/s STROHMAN/KAY to Introduce and Waive the First Reading of Ordinance No.
XXX Amending Section 17.41.140 of the Escalon Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units to Comply with Recent Changes in State Law and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from CEQA Under Public Resources Code 2180.17. Motion carried 4-0-1 (Engle Recused) MINUTE ORDER 13-26
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
10. Update on Staff Cost to Process Fireworks Booth Applications DCSM Barber presented the report outlining all staff labor costs associated with processing fireworks booth applications each year, showing that the current fee does not exceed the cost of the service provided.
Councilmember Strohman inquired how many applications were received last year. CM French responded that five (5) applications were submitted, but two (2) had to withdraw—one because the applicant was not a local non-profit, and the other due to insufficient volunteers to staff the booth.
DCSM Barber then provided a line-by-line explanation of the staff costs.
Councilmember Strohman asked clarifying questions regarding the staff report, the outlined labor hours, and the process. He then expressed opposition to the fees, indicating that high fees reduce funds available to non-profits to do the work of the community. Councilmember Engle saw the other side, inquiring whether it is more appropriate to assign costs to non-profit organizations or to City taxpayers.
Mayor Hagan indicated that based on his review of the staff report, he considers the fee to be fair.
Councilmember Kay acknowledged Councilmember Strohman’s concerns and noted that the City is currently subsidizing the fee approximately 40%, and expressed that the City’s role is to govern rather than provide charity, with their primary responsibility to taxpayers. Therefore, he did not believe that a change to the fees was necessary at this time.
Councilmember Engle sought consensus to bring the item (annual cost inflator of fee and incorporating the fee into the City’s master fee schedule) back to Council for their consideration.
Public Comment Opened at 8:05 p.m.
None
Public Comment Closed at 8:05 p.m.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
Councilmember Kay indicated that animal abandonment has been and continues to be an issue in the City and asked Chief Hardgraves whether there was an ongoing investigation into the recent case. He then sought Council consensus to review the use of local photography companies for the City recreation programs to ensure the safety of participating children. Mayor Hagan and Mayor Pro Tem Walker expressed support for this discussion.
Councilmember Strohman congratulated and welcomed Officer Westphal to the City. He also reminded everyone, in light of recent events in the news, to have faith in those in National leadership positions and to keep military members in their thoughts and prayers.
Councilmember Engle informed Council that he was unable to attend the One Voice trip with SJCOG in May, and suggested that the Committee alternate attend in his place if available. He apologized for missing the previous Council meeting indicating that he has conflicts when the meetings are moved to Tuesdays.
He then shared his view that America should move beyond the two-party political system, noting that both parties often act without the best interests of citizens and make unfulfilled promises during election years.
He encouraged voters to critically evaluate party commitments and take responsibility for effecting meaningful change.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker expressed support for using local photographers and all other local businesses. She then encouraged the community to continue supporting their neighbors, to maintain faith, and care for one another, concluding that she is proud to be a member of the Escalon community.
Mayor Hagan noted that he genuinely appreciates meeting participant’s input, noting that voices are heard, which helps council make their decisions.
CLOSED SESSION
None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hagan adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:27 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
____________________________
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk