ASCALON MINUTES
CALIFORNIA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF APRIL 6, 2026
1O CEN
HEINOUTED MARSHALS City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue - 7:00 P.M.
Beginning Resolution No. 14-26
Beginning Ordinance No. 602
Beginning Minute Order No. 20-26
PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Malinda Walker
Councilmember Jeremy Engle
Councilmember Shawn Strohman
Councilmember Jeff Kay
ABSENT: Mayor Andrew Hagan
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. Presentation of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 101
DCSM Barber provided an overview of the municipal Capital Improvement Plan process, highlighting city maintained infrastructure (water, sewer, streets, sidewalks, trees, etc.), why maintenance of this infrastructure is important, project prioritization, funding strategies, timelines, and its role in improving transparency and informing the budget cycle.
Councilmember Strohman inquired as to how residents can weigh in on project prioritization, and was informed requests can be made through City Hall. Strohman then recommended that the draft CIP list should be presented to Council before the budget workshops to allow for earlier review and public input.
2. City of Escalon Police Department 2025 Annual Report Chief Hardgraves presented the department's 2025 annual report, reviewing progress toward Strategic Plan goals, and 10-year trends in crime rates.
Councilmember Strohman requested that future reports include data on school-related calls and the impact of the Student Resource Officer (SRO) program. Mayor Pro Tem Walker thanked Chief Hardgraves for the thorough and expanded report.
CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on March 16, 2026
4. Approve the Register of Demands - March 30, 2026 in the Amount of $287,921.85
5. Accept the City of Escalon Annual Transit Update Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
6. Consider Adopting the eTrans 2025-2034 Short Range Transit Plan
7. Authorize Issuance of a Purchase Order and Execute a Software as a Service Agreement with Passio Technologies for Purchase of Transit Technology Items for eTrans Vehicles
8. Authorize a Professional Services Agreement with Transit Happy for a Rebrand of the Escalon Transit Service
9. Authorize a Professional Services Agreement with Moss, Levy, Hartzheim, LLP. For Independent Auditing Services
10. Authorize a Professional Services Agreement with The Natelson Dale Group, Inc. for the Preparation of the Escalon Economic Development Strategic Plan Councilmember Strohman requested that Item 6 be pulled.
MOTION - it was m/s by KAY/STROHMAN to approve Items 3-5 and 7-10 as Presented. Motion carried 4- 0-1 (Hagan absent). MINUTE ORDER 20-26
Transit Manager John Andoh presented the short-range transit plan, including background and community outreach efforts.
Councilmember Strohman inquired about the Miocar program and was informed it ended due to low usage and high cost per trip. CM French noted that staff continues to evaluate how best to provide transit services to the community and in this exploration is trying various options, and while this one did not work out, we are working toward other solutions. John Andoh then highlighted the successful eTrans partnership with Uber, which operates seven days a week and has outperformed the dial-a-ride program in terms of usage.
Councilmember Strohman asked about the Valley Link system and was advised it is a number of years out, but would be addressed in subsequent plans, with an emphasis on building a partnership with San Joaquin County RTD.
Councilmember Kay expressed appreciation for the education and thorough report.
MOTION - it was m/s by STROHMAN/KAY to Approve Item Number 6 on the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried 4-0-1 (Hagan absent) MINUTE ORDER 21-26
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES
None
MATTERS PRESENTED FROM THE AUDIENCE
Resident Brandon Dodge raised concerns about the City being out of Housing Element compliance, asking what steps are being taken to address this matter.
CM French acknowledged that the City started the process late, and outlined steps that have led to this point, nat the City is very close to finalizing the effor
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. Adopt the Updated Fireworks Booth Application and Program Fees; and Amend the City of Escalon Master Fee Schedule to Include Fireworks Booth Application and Program Fees DCSM Barber presented the staff report detailing the City's direct costs for application review and processing in response to a Councilmember inquiry regarding the fee rate and whether the fee exceeded the City's cost to provide the service.
Public Hearing Opened at 8:04 p.m.
None
Public Hearing Closed at 8:04 p.m.
MOTION - it was m/s by ENGLE/KAY to Adopt the Updated Fireworks Booth Application and Program Fees and Amend the City of Escalon's Master Fee Schedule to Include Fireworks Booth Application and Program Fees. Motion did not pass 2-2-1 (Nays - Strohman and Walker) (Hagan - Absent) MINUTE ORDER 22-26
Councilmember Engle asked those opposing the item to consider the cost impact to taxpayers. Staff explained that the application fee would increase slightly from $137 to $140, while the license fee would rise more significantly from $150 to $336. Councilmember Kay inquired about the total cost for all four applications and permits, with staff estimating approximately $475 overall, leaving about $188 unrecovered—resulting in a 40% subsidy.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
12. Adopt the City of Escalon 2026 Disaster Preparedness Plan Chief Hardgraves presented the staff report and provided an overview the new Disaster Preparedness Plan noting that the plan was drafted was in 1992.
Councilmember Engle asked Chief Hardgraves to outline key updates from the 1992 plan, to which the Chief responded. Engle also asked whether the updated plan would improve emergency preparedness, which the Chief confirmed, particularly if it is reviewed regularly.
Councilmember Strohman requested the plan be posted on the City's website. Staff then noted that the Plan would be reviewed every two years and updated as needed. Mayor Pro Tem Walker asked that the Community Center be included as a shelter-in-place location and thanked the Chief for the thorough plan. Chief Hardgraves added that, once adopted, the plan would be shared with all city emergency personnel.
Public Comment Opened at 8:18 p.m.
None
Public Comment Closed at 8:18 p.m.
MOTION - it was m/s by STROHMAN/ENGLE to Adopt the 2026 City of Escalon Disaster Preparedness Plan as Amended. Motion carried 4-0-1 (Hagan absent). MINUTE ORDER 23-26
3. Consider Grant Agreements for Businesses Recommended by the Economic Developmer 'ommittee Through the Escalon Development Incentive Prograr DCSM Barber presented the staff report outlining the recommended recipients and award amounts for the business incentive program.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker asked about timing requirements for The Barn's grant use, wanting to ensure that if funds were provided that the City would see progress in the near future. DCSM Barber explained that while the expected timeframe for improvements and business opening is about six months, the agreements allow flexibility within a two-year period.
Councilmember Strohman shared that Mr. Coelho, owner of The Barn, stated during interviews that he aims to open by the end of May. Mayor Pro Tem Walker asked whether the grant would be revoked if that timeline is not met, and DCSM Barber explained that a clawback provision is in place if the terms of the agreement are not fulfilled.
Councilmember Strohman expressed appreciation to Oak Valley Community Bank for their support and publicly thanked DCSM Barber for his efforts in advancing economic development. Councilmember Kay noted the Council carefully considered all applicants, echoed the appreciation, and thanked both staff and the Council for their support.
Public Comment Opened at 8:27 p.m.
Tiffany Russell, owner of Beautifully Chaotic, thanked the Council for their support.
Public Comment Closed at 8:27 p.m.
MOTION - it was m/s by STROHMAN/KAY to Approve the Grant Agreements for the Five Businesses that are Recommended for the Economic Development Grant Program. Motion carried 4-0-1 (Hagan absent).
MINUTE ORDER 24-26
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Kay expressed satisfaction with the meeting's accomplishments but voiced disappointment that the fireworks booth fee schedule did not pass, noting it would result in costs being shifted to taxpayers.
Councilmember Strohman thanked resident Brandon Dodge for his public comments and requested consensus to discuss potential CIP or safety improvements on First Street. Mayor Pro Tem Walker supported moving forward with the discussion after clarifying the safety corridor concept.
Councilmember Engle highlighted the Escalon Lions' first Farmer's Market beginning April 15, noting planned improvements over time.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker confirmed the Farmer's Market will remain on Main Street and also suggested incorporating the CIP process earlier, allowing Council to review and prioritize projects before they reach the budget stage.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Pro Tem Walker adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelebates
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk