ESCALON MINUTES
CALIFORNIA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF AUGUST 3, 2026
TO CENTRAI
MARCH 12, 1957 City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue - 7:00 P.M.
INCORPORATED
Beginning Minute Order No. 43-26
Beginning Resolution No. 32-26
Beginning Ordinance No. 603
PRESENT: Mayor Andrew Hagan
Mayor Pro Tem Malinda Walker
Councilmember Jeremy Engle
Councilmember Shawn Strohman
Councilmember Jeff Kay
Councilmember Strohman participated remotely pursuant to Government Code section 54953(b) from Hilton Santa Clara, 4949 Great America Parkway, Room 705, Santa Clara, California 95054.
STAFF PRESENT:
Celinda Bickner, Finance Director/Human Resource Administrator (FDHRA)
PRESENTATIONS
1. Recognition of the Escalon Police Explorers' Performance in the 2026 Central Valley Explorer Competition
Police Chief Hardgraves recognized the Escalon Police Explorers for their performance in the Central Valley Explorer Competition held June 26-28, 2026, in Tracy. The Explorers competed against 29 agencies in 14 law-enforcement scenarios and earned first place in the traffic-stop scenario. Council congratulated the Explorers and thanked the program advisers for rebuilding the program.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting on July 20, 2026
3. Approve the Register of Demands - July 14, 2026 - July 27, 2026 in the Amount of $467,405.02
4. Adopt Resolution XX-26 Authorizing the Police Department to Accept Funds from the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) for the Purchase of Equipment, Training, and Personnel MOTION - it was m/s by Kay/Strohman to Approve the Consent Calendar as Presented with Item No. 4 being Resolution No. 32-26. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote. MINUTE ORDER 43-26.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES
5. Review Finance Department Quarter 4 Report
FDHRA Bickner reported preliminary Fiscal Year 2025-26 revenue totaled $6, 734,157, or 106% of udget, while expenditures totaled $6,069,356, or 96% of budget, resulting in a preliminary surplus iscal-vear investment earnings totaled $845,412
PWS Collins reported that corrective work was being coordinated for recent street-project quality concerns, with striping expected during the week. Staff also continued to coordinate with AT&T regarding pavement repairs and remaining utility flags in residential yards.
MATTERS PRESENTED FROM THE AUDIENCE
Ed Alves expressed concern regarding the loss of approximately 50 parking spaces serving youth soccer and other recreation uses. He encouraged the City to reach a prompt, mutually acceptable arrangement with the adjacent property owner.
Gabriella Vargas thanked Council and staff for completing a requested streetlight, requested attention to a tree in the alley, and commended the Escalon Police Department for handling a personal matter with care, respect, and dignity.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
By Council consensus, Items 8 and 9 were moved up in order before the public hearings.
8. Agenda Item Request to Consider Escalon City Council Attendance at the California Cities 2026 Annual Conference and Expo in Anaheim
CM French introduced the council requested item seeking direction regarding council attendance at an upcoming conference. He further indicated that staff intended to bring an item forward which would consider all council travel for the year. Council debated the value of education and regional networking, the appropriate number of attendees, fiscal responsibility, and the need for consistent standards governing Council conference attendance.
Public speakers questioned the purpose of attending, the cost, and suggested alternatives.
Council consensus was not to authorize City-funded attendance at this time and to direct staff to return with a policy establishing conference attendance and expenditure guidelines.
9. Agenda Item Request to Consider Fee Waiver for the Escalon Lions Club for Use of the Community Center for Fundraising Purposes
CM French reported that the Escalon Lions Club requested fee waivers for two Community Center events (bingo fundraisers) anticipated to be held in October. Councilmember Engle stated for the record that he was a non-salaried Lions Club member and had no material financial interest in the decision under FPPC regulations.
Mayor Hagan recused himself because of his direct involvement with the Hogan-Ennis Park expansion fundraising effort as the President of Escalon Strong who is managing the work and left the dais.
Councilmember Engle, on behalf of the Lions Club, stated that net proceeds from the two events, with a fundraising goal of $15,000, would be donated directly to the Hogan-Ennis Park expansion, principally for the installation of fencing around the perimeter of the improved area.
Public comment supported the request and discussed event limits, precedent, parking, and the park master plan.
MOTION - it was m/s by Kay/Engle to Approve a Community Center fee waiver for up to two Escalon Lions Club fundraising events benefiting the Hogan-Ennis Park expansion. Motion carried 4-0 by roll call vote, with Mayor Hagan recused. MINUTE ORDER 44-26.
ADDITIONAL URGENCY ITEM
City Manager French reported that recent changes to parking near Hogan-Ennis Park created safety concerns that arose after the agenda was posted and therefore the Council could consider adding an urgency item to authorize a temporary, cost neutral lease arrangement with a private property owner for recreational parking.
MOTION - it was m/s by Strohman/Kay to find that immediate action was necessary and that the need arose after posting of the agenda, and to add consideration of a temporary recreation-parking agreement as an urgency item to the end of the agenda. Motion carried 4-1 by roll call vote, with Councilmember Engle voting no. MINUTE ORDER 45-26.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. Introduce by Titles and Waive First Readings of Ordinances, Review Resolutions, and Conduct a Public Hearing Regarding Development Application 24-797 "Murphy Ranch" (APNs 225-040- 28 & 225-040-29) Entitlement Package, including Annexation, Pre-Zoning, Tentative Subdivision Map, Specific Plan, Planned Development, Development Agreement, Inclusionary Housing Agreement, and associated CEQA Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program.
CM French presented the proposed Murphy Ranch residential development (approximately 18 acres) located at the southeast corner of Brennan Avenue and State Route 120. The project proposes 72 single family residential lots, landscaping improvements, an approximately 1.1-acre expansion of Shadowood Park, and recreational amenities requires approval of an annexation, pre-zoning, specific plan, planned development, tentative subdivision map, development agreement, inclusionary housing agreement, and associated environmental documents. Eight (8) moderate income units would be integrated throughout the development, and all 72 units would count toward the City's Regional Housing Needs Allocation.
Access to the development would be provided by stubbed streets from the southerly adjacent Farinelli subdivision..
CM French reviewed potential traffic impacts, including conditions at the Brennan Avenue and State Route 120 intersection and projected traffic volumes along California Street. He explained that Caltrans is in the process of developing permanent improvements to the intersection and presented potential interim measures, per the Escalon Planning Commission's recommendation, that could improve safety until the permanent solution is constructed
CM French further explained that the property has been designated low density residential since or before the Escalon General Plan was adopted in 2005. He stated that in 2008, the Escalon City Council enacted an annexation moratorium due to concerns with sewer line capacity, but that in February 2020, via resolution, the Council approved two (2) properties to move toward annexation—the property in this development application and the Saron Lutheran Church property as these annexations were in the pipeline prior to the 2008 moratorium and that the first phase of the sewer trunkline project had been completed. The project was permitted to proceed despite the City's annexation moratorium because the Council had previously authorized the applicant to continue processing the application.
Council called a brief recess at 9:12 PM and reconvened at 9:20 PM.
Applicant representative Dave Romano stated that the proposed 72 lot Murphy Ranch development is consistent with the City's General Plan and Housing Element and would include eight moderate income units. He reviewed revisions made in response to community input, including expansion of Shadowood Park, one story homes adjacent to existing homes, landscaping improvements, and assigning park maintenance costs to new project residents. He requested Council approval, noting that the Planning Commission had recommended approval.
Applicant representative Kari McNickle with Fehr & Peers presented the traffic analysis, including anticipated trips, vehicle queues, traffic distribution, and delays and queuing at the Brennan Avenue and State Route 120 intersection.
The Public Hearing was opened and public testimony was received at 9:36 PM.
Curtis Russell, 1419 Alberto Lane, expressed traffic safety concerns and urged the Council to delay the project until Caltrans improves the Brennan Avenue and State Route 120 intersection.
Danette Show opposed the project due to anticipated noise, traffic, and safety impacts, particularly at the Brennan Avenue intersection.
A speaker raised concerns about fatalities and injuries in the area and urged the Council to prioritize tangible safety improvements before approving the project.
Anna Rica Russell, 1419 Alberto Lane, opposed the project, stating that the traffic analysis underestimated the number of vehicles the development would generate and expressing serious safety concerns based on her family's experience with a fatal collision in the area.
Kevin Sanchez, 18986 Brennan Road, urged the Council to make project approval contingent upon Caltrans first completing binding safety improvements at the Brennan Road and State Route 120 intersection.
Jim Claire, 1310 Kern Street, supported the project as a sensible means of addressing community and youth recreation needs while acknowledging traffic concerns and timing of improvements and urged the City to take a proactive leadership role in planning for future growth.
Lindsey Youngberg opposed the project, citing an outdated traffic analysis that did not account for Weldway Steel, the history of fatal collisions at Brennan Avenue and State Route 120, and the lack of guaranteed Caltrans and railroad approval for permanent intersection improvements.
Karen Deichs, 361 First Street, supported the Murphy Ranch project, stating that it provides a well planned approach to growth, expands housing opportunities, addresses affordability and infrastructure needs, and contributes to the City's long term fiscal sustainability.
Jeff Riley, a Sanchez Street resident and retired fire captain, expressed concern that the project would worsen traffic safety at Brennan Road and State Route 120, redirect traffic onto nearby streets, and increase demands on fire, police, and emergency medical services.
Claire Moore, who traveled from England, opposed the project and urged the Council to delay construction until traffic signals, signage, and other safety improvements are completed, citing the death of her 33 year old nephew at the Brennan Road and State Route 120 intersection.
Kim Bacher opposed the project and urged the Council to delay development until permanent safety improvements are completed at the Brennan Avenue and State Route 120 intersection, where her son Zac was killed in 2024.
Elizabeth de Michaels supported the Murphy Ranch project as a thoughtful approach to meeting state mandated growth requirements while Caltrans works to improve safety along State Route 120.
Scott, a Farinelli resident, asked who would pay for the Brennan Avenue landscaping and park maintenance, expressed concern about increased traffic on California Street, and urged the City to complete safety improvements and consider extending Irwin Avenue to State Route 120 before development proceeds.
Shelley Kepler, sister of Justin Kepler, who was killed at the intersection nearly 10 years ago, urged the City to address the intersection so affected families can grieve without further tragedies reopening their trauma.
A Farinelli resident expressed concern that the traffic analysis did not reflect actual neighborhood conditions or a proposed truck and trailer operation across the street and urged completion of necessary infrastructure and Caltrans safety improvements.
Gloria Yorston, a Farinelli Parkway resident, expressed concern that the traffic analysis did not reflect actual congestion and safety conditions and urged the Council to delay the project until improvements, such as a traffic signal, are completed at Brennan Avenue and State Route 120.
Marty Van Houten, 481 First Street, questioned whether the traffic study adequately considered the proposed truck parking area and its potential effects on the Brennan Avenue and State Route 120 intersection, and urged the City to pause the project and complete an updated traffic study.
A speaker acknowledged the difficult balance between meeting state housing requirements and addressing traffic safety, supported making project approval contingent upon safety improvements, and urged the City to press Caltrans and the railroad to promptly improve the Brennan Avenue and State Route 120 intersection.
A speaker supported the project, stating that it would provide needed housing options with manageable traffic impacts, preserve local control over development, and allow time for Caltrans to complete improvements at Brennan Avenue and State Route 120.
traffic and demands on public services, additional customers for local businesses and tax revenue, expanded park space, and the possibility that the development could help advance a traffic signal at Brennan Avenue and State Route 120.
A real estate agent supported the Murphy Ranch project, stating that it would provide newer, more affordable housing opportunities for local families, teachers, first responders, and seniors while supporting the local economy, provided the developer is held to appropriate standards and accountability.
Jennifer, an Escalon resident, supported the project, stating that it would provide new families an opportunity to raise their children in a safe community and offer a preferable approach to meeting state affordable housing requirements.
A Farinelli resident opposed the project as proposed, stating that after four public meetings Florsheim Homes had not meaningfully addressed community concerns or modified the proposed traffic circulation and that the one-story homes cited as a concession were already required by City ordinance.
Kurt Danziger, Farinelli resident urged the Council to consider the annexation separately from the Florsheim Homes project and postpone action until after the election and the beginning of the following year, allowing the full Council to consider additional information and firm commitments from Caltrans, the County, and other agencies regarding transportation improvements and alternative access routes.
The speaker also expressed concerns regarding the use of landscape and lighting districts (LLDs).
Vance Nelson stated that he did not oppose the proposed housing but questioned the accuracy of the traffic study and urged Caltrans to reduce the speed limit and install a traffic signal at Brennan Avenue and State Route 120.
A California Street resident expressed concern about increased traffic, emergency access, and neighborhood safety, and urged the Council to delay construction until a traffic signal is installed at Brennan Avenue and State Route 120.
The public hearing was closed following public testimony at 10:07 PM.
Staff clarified that the new subdivision would fund its share of the expanded park, basketball court, gazebo, turf, and drainage basin through a separate LLD or community facilities district (CFD). The Council discussed balancing the need for housing and local control over development with traffic safety concerns. The Council debated making approval contingent upon Caltrans completing a traffic signal or other acceptable safety improvement, including temporarily closing Brennan Avenue at State Route 120 if Caltrans' intersection improvements are delayed, and.
Arvinder Bajwa, Caltrans representative, stated that the project initiation document is expected to be completed in December 2026, after which the preferred improvement and a more definitive schedule would be determined. The representative estimated that a traffic signal could take approximately five years after December due to environmental review, design, and coordination with the railroad, while a roundabout could be completed sooner but may affect properties north of State Route 120. Caltrans also identified closure, right turn access restrictions, channelizers, and roadway striping as possible interim safety measures and stated that the funded project is a high priority.
Council deliberation focused on whether the project could proceed while reducing existing and project- related traffic risk.
MOTION - it was m/s by Engle/Kay to introduce and waive the first readings of the Ordinances; receive and file the related resolutions and entitlement documents for consideration at the second hearing; and consider approval of the entitlement package with coordination with Caltrans on a northbound right-turn- only treatment at Brennan Road using pylons and double-yellow striping, and radar speed feedback signs.
If the permanent Caltrans improvement is not complete before issuance of the first certificate of occupancy, the City will consider the closure of northbound Brennan Road at State Route 120 on the project side and conduct additional review of traffic impacts at California Street and Irwin Avenue. Motion carried 4-1 by roll call vote, with Councilmember Strohman voting no. MINUTE ORDER 46-26.
7. Annexation and Pre-zoning of City-Owned Property Located at 17341 Escalon Bellota Road (APN 225-020-110-000); Introduce by Title and Waive First Reading of Ordinance No. XXX Pre- zoning the Property; Consideration of Resolution No. 2026-XX Initiating Annexation Proceedings (Project 26-821). Project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
City Manager French presented the proposed annexation and Open Space/Park pre-zoning of approximately 19.2 acres of City-owned land. Annexation would place the property under City jurisdiction, advance the park master plan, and allow the action to be processed efficiently with the Murphy Ranch LAFCo application. Staff clarified that the action did not authorize development and was exempt from CEQA under the common-sense exemption.
The public hearing was opened. No public testimony was received and the hearing was closed at 11:07 PM.
MOTION - it was m/s by Strohman/Kay to Introduce and Waive the First Reading of Ordinance No. XXX pre-zoning the property to Upen Space/Park; review Resolution No. xx-26 initiating annexation proceedings and authorizing a LAFCo application; and find the action exempt from CEQA pursuant to Guidelines section 15061(b)(3). Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote. MINUTE ORDER 47-26.
ADDITIONAL URGENCY ITEM
City Manager French explained that a temporary reciprocal-use arrangement would restore parking for recreation activities while allowing the adjacent property owner to use a portion of City-owned land. A longer-term agreement and any required Surplus Land Act findings would return to Council.
MOTION - it was m/s by Kay/Walker to Authorize the City Manager, in consultation with Legal Counsel, to enter into an appropriate temporary agreement with the adjacent property owner for a term not to exceed three months. Motion carried 4-1 by roll call vote, with Councilmember Engle voting no. MINUTE ORDER 48-26.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Kay thanked the Escalon Lions Club for organizing a successful Park Fete and for its service to the community.
Councilmember Strohman thanked residents for attending and providing feedback and apologized that work obligations required his remote participation.
Councilmember Engle acknowledged the difficulty of the Murphy Ranch decision, thanked the community for participating, and stated that Council had worked to reach the decision it believed best for the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker encouraged continued public participation, praised the opening of the youth soccer season, and thanked the Lions Club and City staff for Park Fete.
Mayor Hagan stated that the traffic-safety strategy would reduce risk while allowing orderly community growth and thanked the public for its time.
CLOSED SESSION
None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hagan adjourned the meeting at approximately 11:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Alianatrejo
Diana Trejo, Deputy City Cłerk