ESCALON MINUTES
CALIFORNIA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF MAY 18, 2026
City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue - 7:00 P.M.
ACORATED MARGARE
Beginning Resolution No. 19-2
Beginning Ordinance No. 60:
Beginning Minute Order No. 30-26
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)
Juston Collins, Public Works Superintendent (PWS)
Robert Hardgraves, Chief of Police
elinda Bickner (FDHRA
revin Barber, Development and Community Services Manager (DCSN Frank Splendorio, Legal Counsel
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mcasure P Advisory Committee Presentation
Measure P Advisory Committee member Ed Alves indicated that he believed that the City previously had Councilmember Engle inquired about the moved funds. Ms. Vargas noted that she did not blame current Councilmembers or staff, but believed certain undesirable decisions were made based on her review of audits dating back to 2009. CM French indicated that based on staff's thorough review of the budget, financial practices and past audits, that no such moved or lost funds were unaccounted for, but that staff would meet with the Advisory Committee members to understand more about the matter.
Mayor Hagan stated the matter should return to the Council for further discussion. Councilmember Strohman thanked Ms. Vargas for her professionalism and service on the committee, clarified the intent of the Measure P ballot measure, and stated that committee recommendations are being worked on, although communication may have been lacking. Mayor Hagan reiterated the Council's commitment to transparency and confirmed the issue will be discussed at a future meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Walker also confirmed that projects funded through Measure Prevenues are moving forward and expressed hope the public would be informed of that progress.
2. Goldback Presentation - A Modern Gold-Backed Currency In reaction to the Council providing direction to City staff to share information with the business community on the benefits of physical gold, City staff discovered and brought Goldback to present to the Council.
Representatives from Goldback gave a presentation on their currency system and discussed potential benefits for local businesses and customers, noting that the local Ace Hardware already accepts Goldback Councilmembers asked questions which the representatives addressed. The Council ultimately directed staff to have Goldback attend Park Fete to share information with local residents, and to host a business roundtable with Goldback.
3. First Street Pedestrian Safety Improvements
CM French outlined various physical safety improvements for First Street, including temporary or permanent bulb-outs, raised crosswalks, and temporary or permanent chicanes. Following Council discussion, the Council preferred to start with increased enforcement in the area before physical improvements were made. Although Council directed staff to explore one physical improvement-modifying the turning movements from First Public Comment Opened at 8:42 p.m.
Resident Sherry Hill expressed concerns about traffic safety on Sacramento Street, stating that students frequently double-park and block her driveway. She believes increased police enforcement is the most effective solution and does not feel that temporary measures would adequately address the issue.
Public Comment Closed at 8:45 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR
4. Approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on May 4, 2026
5. Approve the Register of Demands - May 11, 2026 in the Amount of $431,801.68
6. Declaring an Election and Giving Notice of the Holding of a Consolidated General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 for the Election of Certain Officers as Required by the Provisions of the Laws of the State of California Relating to General Law Cities
7. San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District New Alternative Fuel Vehicle Purchase Grant
8. Authorize Filing of Low Carbon Transit Operations Program Application
9. Authorize Filing of the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Claim for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
10. Ratifying the San Joaquin Council of Government's Annual Financial Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Councilmember Engle pulled Item 7 and Mayor Pro Tem Walker pulled Item 10.
MOTION - it was m/s by STROHMAN/KAY to Approve Consent Items 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 as Presented.
Motion carried 5-0 (Strohman abstained from Item 4). MINUTE ORDER 30-26 Regarding Item 7, Councilmember Engle shared his experience with the battery life of the Chevy Blazers and the lack of vehicle maintenance in the area.
Mayor Hagan and Pro Tem Walker inquired hybrid vehicles and the number of vehicles in the Department's fleet. The Chief responded to these questions.
Councilmember Strohman clarified that item is to authorize the City to submit a grant application which will allow staff to research the concerns raised by Council.
MOTION - it was m/s STROHMAN/KAY to Authorize Staff to Submit the Grant Application as Presented.
Motion carried 5-0. MINUTE ORDER 31-26
Mayor Pro Tem Walker noted her reason for pulling Item 10 is because Councilmembers Engle and Strohman were not at the last meeting and Councilmember Engle was unable to attend the SJCOG meeting in which the AFP was discussed. She was curious if he had any input about the matter before moving forward Councilmember Engle had no comment. Councilmember Strohman just wanted to comment that he attended the SJCOG One Voice Conference and they are doing amazing things for our local governments.
MOTION - it was m/s by WALKER/KAY to Ratify the SJCOG Annual Financial Plan for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 as presented. Motion carried 5-0. MINUTE ORDER 32-26
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES
I1. April Updates
a. Treasurer's Report
b. Police Department Report
c. Shelter Report
d. Recreation Report
e. Community Center Report
Development Services Report
Public Works Report
Building Department
i. Water Department Report
j. Waste Water Treatment Plant Report
k. City Manager's Report (Verbal)
DCSM Barber updated the Council on soccer registration and adult softball registration through TeamSideline. He also reported that the Economic Development Committee recommended Business Incentive Grant funds for four (4) businesses were awarded grants through.
FDHRA Bickner presented the treasurer report along with the Finance Department's quarterly reports.
Chief Hardgraves is identifying ways to connect with the community morc, and informed Council that he has presented at the senior luncheon and hopes to be a regular guest there. He also reminded them about Coffee with a Cop on May 27" at Starbucks. Officer Westphal had the most citations with 18 and Officer Palomino led the department in arrests with 9.
PWS Collins, following up on the mosquito issue from a prior meeting, shared that each year staff will meet with the owners of properties adjacent to City parks that have standing water, and will inspect City parks for standing water and will implement proactively solutions to reduce mosquitos in park areas, including calling the abatement district in advance, installing dunks or other solutions.
There heing no comments. Public Comment Opened and Closed at 9:20 p.m.
Councilmember Strohman inquired about the number of City water customers, and CM French responded that the City serves approximately 2,500 residential customers.
Mayor Hagan noted deteriorating pavement on California Street, and asked PWS Collins to inspect the area.
Councilmember Kay inquired if additional striping would improve the visibility of the bulb-outs at 4th and Main.
CM French reported that he had no updates.
MATTERS PRESENTED FROM THE AUDIENCE
Resident Sherry Hill expressed concerns regarding Harmony Communities tenure at Almondwood Mobile Home Park stating that seniors are being taken advantage of due to high space rental rates. She noted that residents are leaving because of the costs, and once homes are vacated, Harmony takes ownership of the mobile homes and rents them out at higher prices. Ms. Hill also raised concerns about the safety of e-bike riders, stating that many do not follow traffic laws and expressing fear that someone could be seriously injured.
Councilmember Engle asked Chief Hardgraves for input regarding e-bike enforcement. Chief Hardgraves explained that e-bikes are considered vehicles and must follow the rules of the road. He noted that e-bikes legally ridden by children should not exceed 20 mph, and e-bikes capable of higher speeds require riders over the age of 16 to possess a valid driver's license. He stated that officers are actively enforcing the rules and may need to begin towing noncompliant bikes in hopes of improving compliance and safety.
Resident Gary Haskin thanked PWS Collins for addressing the mosquito issue and for sharing preventative measures with the community.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
12. Updated Fees for Adult Softball and Adult Soccer Programs and Amendment to the City's Master Fee Schedule
DCSM Barber outlined the process used to determine the increase in adult recreation program fees from $525 to $850 per team, noting that the adjustment is intended to cover the City's operational costs and field maintenance expenses.
Mayor Hagan stated that he was comfortable moving forward with the fee increase based on staff's research and community survey which sought input from users of the program. Councilmember Strohman thanked staff for their time and effort in preparing the report and for providing detailed information to the Council.
There being no comments, Public Commend Opened and Closed at 9:42 p.m.
MOTION - it was m/s by KAY/ENGLE to Adopt Resolution XX-26 Adopting the Updated Fees and Amending the Maste Fee Schedule to Include an Increase to the Adult Softball Team Fees from $525.00 to $850.00, Establishment of the Adult Soccer Program with Team Fee of $850.00, Incorporation of these Fees into the City's Master Fee Schedule Under a New Category for Adult Sports. Motion carried 4-1-0 (Nay - Walker. MINUTE ORDER 33-26
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
13. Consider Requested Amendment to Development Impact Fee Deferral & Reduction Agreement - Countrywood Cottages Senior Housing Project
DCSM Barber presented a proposed amendment, requested by Cornerstone Construction, the developer of Countrywood Cottages, to the previously approved fee reduction/deferral agreement, explaining that increased material costs have made the project financially challenging under the original terms. The applicant has applied for additional SJCOG funding, and if awarded, construction could begin near the end of the year. The developers is requesting to increase the rental cap from $1,600 to $1,700 per month for the first 24 months of occupancy, while keeping all other agreement terms unchanged.
Mayor Hagan asked on behalf of resident Gary Haskin whether interest was to be collected for the deferred fees. City Attorney Splendorio responded that this was not in the original deal approved by the Council.
Councilmember Strohman stated that the proposed increase is approximately five percent and appears reasonable considering rising construction costs over the past three years.
Councilmember Engle noted that during a recent SJCOG meeting, staff praised DCSM Barber's grant application work and indicated the project appeared as well-positioned as possible to qualify for funding. 34-26
14. Consider Grant Agreements for Businesses Recommended by the Economic Development Committee Through the Escalon Development Incentive Program
DCSM Barber outlined the four (4) business incentive grant recommendations from the Economic Development Committee (EDC).
Councilmember Strohman, speaking as a member of the EDC, expressed appreciation for the work DCSM Barber contributed to the project and strongly recommended continuing the grant program in the FY 2026/27 budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker noted that two (2) of the applicants requested substantially larger amounts than what was ultimately awarded and wanted confirmation that the applicants had been informed and would still be able to move forward with their projects. Councilmember Kay indicated that this had strongly been considered and the EDC felt it was important for the businesses to have a strong financial role in their start/expansion.
Councilmember Strohman confirmed that discussions had taken place with the applicants and that they were able to proceed or that they were considering securing loans to cover the remaining project costs.
There being no comments, Public Comment Opened and Closed at 9:55 p.m.
MOTION - it was m/s by STROHMAN/KAY to Approve the Business Grants in the Amount Presented by Staff. Motion carried 5-0. MINUTE ORDER 35-26
15. Danny Fox Memorial Park Renaming Fiscal Impact Discussion; and Direction on City Financial Participation for Park/Facility Renamings
CM French clarified that a previous staff report incorrectly indicated that there would be no fiscal impact. He explained that staff intended to, similar to prior park renamings, provide a plaque for the Danny Fox Memorial Park, but that this was not specifically approved by the Council and therefore in full transparency was coming back for a decision.
Mayor Hagan and Councilmember Engle both emphasized the need to establish clear standards for future dedications, including parameters for sign size, costs, and overall consistency. CM French added that the Largent plaque previously ordered, cost approximately $1,000 and that the Fox family had offered to pay the additional cost for a larger sign.
Mayor Hagan stated he was comfortable approving funding comparable to prior dedications but agreed that future policies should address size, cost, and fairness to avoid any appearance of favoritism. Councilmember Strohman suggested that Council could move forward with the item while also directing staff to establish standards for future renamings, though Mayor Hagan preferred additional research before setting formal guidelines.
Councilmember Kay stated that he does not support using taxpayer funds for honorary dedications, emphasizing that his position was not directed at Mr. Fox personally but reflected a long-standing belief that government agencies should not use public funds to honor individuals. He explained that he previously abstained because he believed the family would cover the costs rather than taxpayers.
Councilmember Strohman noted that he and Mayor Pro Tem Walker originally brought the item forward and thanked staff for returning with the updated report to ensure full transparency. He also expressed appreciation for Councilmembers Engle and Kay sharing their perspectives on the matter.
Public Comment Opened at 10:09 p.m.
Resident Sherry Hill agreed with Councilmember Engle that there does need to be some sort of policy or standardization for this matter moving forward.
Public Comment Closed at 10:10 p.m.
MOTION - it was motioned by STROHMAN to Approve the Spending of $1,000.00 Towards the Plaque for the Danny Fox Memorial Park and Request that Staff Come Back to Council Regarding a City Standard on the Design of a Park Sign for This Sign and Moving Forward. There was no second to the motion.
MOTION - it was m/s by WALKER/STROHMAN to Contribute $1,000.00 to the Danny Fox Memorial Park Sign and to Come Back to Council for Approval Before it's Development and Posting. Motion carried 3-2-0. (Nays - Kay and Engle) MINUTE ORDER 36-26
16. Discuss Ideas to Celebrate/Recognize 250 Year of the United States of America Councilmember Strohman explained why he brought the item forward and invited ideas for commemorating the USA's 250th anniversary. He shared several suggestions with the Council. City Attorney Splendorio recommended forming an Ad Hoc committee to develop proposals and return with recommendations at the next meeting, which Mayor Hagan supported. Councilmember Strohman and Mayor Pro Tem Walker volunteered to serve on the committee.
Public Comment Opened at 10:16 pm.
Resident Sherry Hill expressed concern that the discussion was occurring too late, noting there may not be enough time to organize anything meaningful before the 4th of July.
Public Comment Closed at 10:17 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker expressed her concerns regarding the timeline, with only two meetings scheduled before the 4'h of July. City attorney Splendorio commented that everything could be approved at the next meeting. CM French indicated that depending on the selected item, it could occur after July 4", as this is celebrating 250 years.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Kay welcomed FDHRA Bickner back and is happy to see her doing so well. He then requested Council consensus to discuss concerns about e-bikes in town, which was supported by Mayor Hagan and Councilmember Strohman due to safety concerns.
Councilmember Strohman also welcomed FDHRA Bickner back, commented on the Goldback presentation, and thanked Public Works staff during National Public Works Week. He apologized for his tone in a prior discussion with the Measure P Advisory Committee, but that he appreciated their input.
Councilmember Engle promoted the upcoming Farmer's Market and noted positive community feedback Mayor Pro Tem Walker also thanked Measure P presenters, encouraged residents to shop locally and attend the Farmer's Market, and expressed support for further discussion on e-bikes.
Mayor Hagan requested Council consensus on several topics: digital surveillance protections, citizens' rights to grow food at home, data centers potentially requiring a public vote, and reviewing water rate history for transparency. These items received varying levels of Council support, including backing from Kay and Walker on surveillance protections and Walker on home food-growing rights, and support from Kay on the data center and water rate discussions.
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hagan adjourned the meeting at approximately 10:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
michelebates
Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk