ESCALON MINUTES
CALIFORNIA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF MAY 4, 2026
TO CENTRI
LEOPARIED MARLING City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue - 7:00 P.M.
Beginning Resolution No. 16-26
Beginning Ordinance No. 602
Beginning Minute Order No. 27-21
PRESENT: Mayor Andrew Hagan
Mayor Pro Tem Malinda Walker
Councilmember Jeff Kay
ABSENT: Councilmember Jeremy Engle
Councilmember Shawn Strohman
STAFF PRESENT: Jaylen French, City Manager (CM)
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. San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control Board Representative Quarterly Update Mr. Gary Haskin distributed informational pamphlets outlining the services offered by the Mosquito and Vector Control District. He also shared information regarding the development of a new biohazard laboratory and reviewed how residents can contact the District to request service.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on April 20, 2026
3. Approve the Register of Demands - April 29, 2026 in the Amount of $155,168.04
4. Consider Ratifying the San Joaquin Council of Government's Annual Financial Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
5. Consider Ratifying a Local emergency Proclamation Regarding Severe Storm on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker requested Item 4 be pulled.
MOTION - it was m/s KAY/WALKER to Approve Items 2-3 and 5 as presented. Motion carried 3-0-2 (Engle and Strohman Absent). MINUTE ORDER 27-26
Mayor Pro Tem Walker requested that Item No. 4 be continued to the next City Council meeting on May 18th to allow Councilmember Engle, who serves on the San Joaquin Council of Government, to be present and provide his input.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES
Chief Hardgraves reported that over the weekend, the Escalon Police Department assisted the Stockton Police Department with its Cinco de Mayo Task Force, aimed at addressing illegal sideshow activity. Sergeant Zambrana and Officers Geck, Palomino, and Marapao participated in the operation.
CM French informed Council that Finance Director Celinda Bickner had experienced a medical issue but was home now and seems to be doing well, and that staff was thinking about her and were eager for her speedy recovery. He then outlined key items that were coming before the Council in the next two months, including:
business incentive grant recommendations, Murphy Ranch proposed 73-unit residential subdivision, City FY 26-27 budget, and Landscape and Lighting Districts (LLDs) annual assessment adoption. He also announced that the City will host "Coffee with City Hall" on May 29th at 9:00 am at Soul Coffee, and "Coffee with a Cop" on May 27th at 9:00 am at Starbucks.
MATTERS PRESENTED FROM THE AUDIENCE
Resident Linda Martin addressed the Council, presenting a timeline and photographs related to a water leak at her property and requesting reimbursement for associated costs.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
6. Introduce and Consider the City of Escalon's 2026 Capital Improvement Plan Priorities CM French presented the comprehensive list of planned City projects. Mayor Hagan noted that Councilmember Strohman had expressed support for prioritizing back-up generators at storm and sewer lift stations. Mayor Hagan also expressed appreciation for the updated list, emphasizing its importance for transparency.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker indicated a desire to prioritize an update to the City's website, which was supported by Councilmember Kay and Mayor Hagan. She also inquired about the installation of water fountains and bottle fillers in parks throughout the City, with an emphasis on Brentwood Park and Sanchez Park. Staff indicated that the final list will be presented at and included within the FY 26-27 budget item on June 1, 2026.
There being no comments, Public Comment Opened and Closed at 7:38 p.m.
7. Approve Resolution XX-26 Initiating Proceedings for the Levy of an Increased Assessment and Authorization of New Improvements within the Westwood Country Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 02-1, and Designating SCI Consulting Group as Engineer of Work Pursuant to the Landscaping and lighting Act of 1972 and Article XIIID of the California Constitution DCSM Barber outlined that this is the first of a four step process to consider an increase in the District assessment rate to cover costs for the installation of a swing set and a basketball court in Swanson park as requested by a neighbor. Mayor Pro Tem Walker asked whether the proposed maintenance schedule for the basketball court was the same as in Latta Park, to which PWS Collins confirmed. She also inquired whether the project layout could be modified if the engineer's report comes back with higher-than-expected costs. Staff explained that alternative options could be considered depending on the final cost estimates, and discussed potential adjustments, but that once the assessment level is set there is no way to adjust during the voting process. She also sought verification that this plan had been discussed with those who brought the item forward There being no comments, Public Comment Opened and Closed at 7:48 p.m.
MOTION - it was M/S by KAY/WALKER to Approve Resolution XX-26 Initiating Proceedings to Consider the Levy of an Increased Assessment and the Authorization of New Improvements Within the Westwood Country Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 02-1, and Designating SCI Consulting Group as Engineer of Work. Motion carried 3-0-2 (Engle and Strohman Absent). MINUTE ORDER 28-26
8. Consider Approval of Resolution Adopting Policy on Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During meetings in Accordance with SB 707 (CEQA Exempt) City Attorney Splendorio reviewed the policy which addresses procedures in the event of a disruption to remote participation of a public meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Walker clarified that any items not heard following a recess would be continued to the next meeting, which City Attorney Splendorio confirmed.
There being no comments, Public Comment Opened and Closed at 7:53 p.m.
MOTION - it was m/s by KAY/WALKER to Adopt the Policy on Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During Public Meetings in Accordance with SB 707. Motion carried 3-0-2 (Engle and Strohman Absent) MINUTE ORDER 29-26
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Kay had no comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker thanked Mr. Haskin for his presentation and encouraged residents to remain vigilant regarding ticks and other pests, which may be more prevalent this year. She also noted that she is looking forward to the next farmers market.
Mayor Hagan thanked Mr. Haskin for his volunteer work in the community and wished everyone a great evening.
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hagan adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michele Bates
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk