MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue - 7:00 PM
Beginning Minute Order No. 65-26
Beginning Resolution No. 42-26
Beginning Ordinance No. 607
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)
Robert Hardgraves, Chief of Police
Trevin Barber, Development and Community Services Manager (DCSM) Juston Collins, Public Works Superintendent (PWS)
John Andoh, Transit Manager (TM)
Sara Swift, Deputy City Clerk
Frank Splendorio, City Attorney (CA)
PRESENTATIONS
1. Swearing In of Officer William Teague
Chief Hardgraves introduced William Teague as the newest member of the Escalon Police Department.
2. Measure P Advisory Committee Candidate Interview (Moved from Agenda Item #3) The City Council interviewed Ruben Ramirez for appointment to the Measure P Advisory Committee. Mr.
Ramirez discussed his connection to Escalon, his interest in serving the community, and his approach to understanding community priorities before developing recommendations. Council discussed the advisory nature of the Committee and the importance of reaching residents who may not participate online. Staff reviewed the Committee's role and anticipated reporting schedule.
MOTION – it was m/s by Kay/Strohman to appoint Ruben Manuel Ramirez to the Measure P Advisory Committee. Motion carried 5-0. MINUTE ORDER 65-26.
3. Municipal Stormwater 101 Presentation (Moved from Agenda Item #2) PWS Collins provided an overview of the City's storm drainage system, including the City's 12 drainage areas, the role of pump stations, basins, valves and gravity flow, and the final destination for stormwater throughout the system. He then outlined the system’s natural limitations during major storms, including limited ability to gravity flow, pump capacity, interconnected drainage areas and the need for additional temporary storage.. Council discussed alternative and interim fixes to improve the overall system
CONSENT CALENDAR
4. Approve the Minutes of the City Council meeting on September 8, 2026
5. Approve the Register of Demands – September 1, 2026 – September 14, 2026, in the Amount of $1,135,146.51
6. Award a Professional Services Agreement with Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group for on‑Call Planning Services for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $30,000
7. Accept the SJCOG Citizen’s Advisory Committee Quarterly Update
8. Approve Surplus of Equipment and Authorize Disposal of Equipment According to the City of Escalon Surplus Policy
MOTION – it was m/s by Strohman/Kay to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried 5-
0. MINUTE ORDER 66-26.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES
9. August Updates
Staff provided August departmental updates.
NEED TO DETAIL THESE (Trevin’s)
CM French provided the following updates on matters previously discussed by the City Council:
• Escalon-Bellota Road Property/Caretaker: Following a prior Council discussion regarding a resident’s proposal to act as a caretaker for the City owned property near Hogan-Ennis Park,. The City’s Building Inspector inspect the residence and determined that the dwelling is not currently habitable and would require significant investment/improvements. Staff will continue to evaluate the matter and connect with the interested individual.
Hogan Park Expansion Area Parking Lot: Following Council approval of the new parking lot at the Hogan Park expansion area, Mike DeRuosi has been coordinating with the City and expects construction to begin within the next two weeks.
• SR-120 / Brennan Road Right-Turn-Only: Pursuant to Council direction, the City Engineer has develop a conceptual plan for the right-turn-only improvement at Brennan Road. He shared that implementation will require coordination with Union Pacific Railroad as striping and other installation work may affect railroad operations, and expects this to take some time.
10. Traffic Enforcement Plan (Verbal)
Chief Hardgraves outlined a plan to more proactively handle traffic enforcement addressing speeding and stop sign violations. In short, the Department is using moving radar, allowing for spot speed enforcement, a decoy vehicle, are looking to expand the motorcycle enforcement unit, and the Chief will identify the top three target areas monthly that the officers will patrol. He also noted that the Department will increase enforcement during the first week of school each year.
MATTERS PRESENTED FROM THE AUDIENCE
Resident Sherry Hill, complimented the City’s new website, spoke to the community conversation on the City’s reservation of Community Center parking for event holders, and was impressed by the pumpkin displayed at City Hall. She then referenced a prayer written by Thomas Jefferson in 1801.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. Consider the Use of Federal Transit Administration Section 5311 Funding for Various Capital Purchases, and Authorize the Transit Manager to Execute an Agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company for Construction of Infrastructure Related to Electric Charging of Vehicles Located at 2060 McHenry Avenue
TM John Andoh presented the proposed use of Federal Transit Administration Section 5311 funding for capital purchases and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. He indicated that while the staff report outlines a PG&E program for such purposes, that City staff was further exploring other providers includes MID. Council discussed the proposed PG&E infrastructure arrangement, ongoing utility costs, ownership and future operating considerations, and preferred the possibility of working with another utility provider.
The public hearing was opened and closed at 8:28 PM. No public testimony was received.
MOTION – it was m/s by Kay/Strohman to authorize TM Andoh to proceed as presented, including execution of the agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company for construction of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at 2060 McHenry Avenue, with staff to investigate alternative service providers if available. Motion carried 4-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Walker voting NAY. MINUTE ORDER 67-26.
12. Adopt Resolution XX-26, Updating City of Escalon User and Regulatory Fees The public hearing was opened at 8:29pm and the item was continued to the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting of October 5, 2026.
13. Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. XXX, Enacting a 45-day Moratorium on the Approval of Any Land Use Entitlement and/or Agreement to Allow the Operation of a Data Center CA Splendorio presented the proposed urgency ordinance which establishes a 45-day moratorium on the approval of land use entitlements and/or agreements allowing the operation of a data center. Council discussed the proposed moratorium and related planning considerations.
The public hearing was opened and closed at 8:30- PM. No public testimony was received.
MOTION – it was m/s by Kay/Walker to adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 607, enacting a 45-day moratorium on the approval of any land use entitlement and/or agreement to allow the operation of a data center. Motion carried 5-0. MINUTE ORDER 68-26.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Engle thanked resident Sherry for her consistent attendance at City Council meetings, and support of the community. He welcomed Officer Teague and congratulated him on joining the Police Department.
Mayor Pro Tem Walker reminded residents to prepare for the upcoming wet weather season by winterizing their yards, keeping gutters and areas around large trees clear, and taking steps to help maintain safe drainage throughout the community. He thanked Public Works staff for their work in preparing for the upcoming season.
Councilmember Strohman recognized National Thank a Police Officer Day and thanked Chief Hardgraves and the Police Department, as well as local residents serving in law enforcement. He welcomed Officer Teague. And congratulated Coach Beam on the Battle of 120 victory and trophy presentation.
Councilmember Strohman requested Council consensus to recognize October 2026 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Escalon. Mayor Hagan expressed support for the request.
Councilmember Kay commended staff for their work, including the Municipal Stormwater 101 presentation, and thanked City staff for their continued efforts and professionalism.
Mayor Hagan encouraged the public to attend the upcoming City Council Candidate Forum and Homecoming Parade.
CLOSED SESSION
14. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(2))
Significant exposure: 2 cases.
No reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hagan adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:12 PM Respectfully submitted,
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Sara Swift, Deputy City Clerk