CITY OF
CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
JACKSON January 9, 2023
CALIFORNIA
Mayor and Council Members John Georgette, City Clerk
Steve McLean, Mayor
Chad Simmons, Vice Mayor Staff Members:
Max Godde, Council Member Josh Nelson, City Attorney
Connie Gonsalves, Council Member Yvonne Kimball, City Manager Bob Stimpson, Council Member Bree Wilder, Public Works Superintendent Dale Fishback, Interim Fire Chief
ABSENT: None. Chris Mynderup, Police Chief
Carleen Kirkpatrick, Administrative Assistant
Mayor McLean called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG.
Mayor McLean led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Mayor McLean made a change to the Agenda's Discussion Calendar- item 7c moved to 7a (Resolution for Emergency Proclamation). Mayor McLean advised the public may speak on this topic during public comment or during discussion of the Emergency Resolution (now item 7a). McLean advised council is here to listen only regarding flood concerns, and discussion will occur when the item is added to an upcoming agenda.
Motion to approve the City Council Agenda dated January 9, 2023 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Stimpson, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 5 to O roll call vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
2. REMOTE MEETING FINDINGS.
Approve findings for remote meetings under AB 361 that social distancing is recommended by state and local health officials and that meeting in person presents imminent risks to the health and safety of attendees.
January 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve the Remote Findings dated January 9, 2023, as presented. Moved by Mayor McLean, seconded by Councilmember Simmons, and carried by a 5 to 0 roll call vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
City Attorney Josh Nelson (attending remotely) provided a reminder that once Governor Newsom rescinds the Covid-19 Emergency Order, remote sessions will end (currently expected to be rescinded at the end of February 2023.)
3. PUBLIC MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA.
Discussion items only, no action will be taken. Any person may address the Council at this time on any subject within the jurisdiction of the City Council. Please note - there is a three (3) minute limit.
Dianne Oneto, Event Coordinator for Kit Carson Mountain Men Wagon Train- Requests more money and support from Jackson to reinstate/revive the Kiddies' Parade (flyer provided). She plans to include additional sponsorships from Shriners, Boy Scouts of America, and hopes Jackson's financial support will encourage the Jackson Rancheria to provide support as well.
Mary Hite, resident at 341 South Ave., expressed concerns with constant flooding each year, home is currently flooded and needs major repairs. Showed photos of her home to councilmembers. Lost chain link fence. Concerns about multiple agencies involved, such as Fish & Game, and believes it needs to be dredged. Has been provided claim form to submit to the city, if desired.
Joe Doll, resident at 321 South Ave., expressed emotional concerns with flooding and wants a proactive response from the city. Claims his home office was completed destroyed and he is a State Employee teleworker. Seeks relief from city.
Mayor McLean advised additional public comment will be received regarding the food during discussion of the emergency resolution on the discussion calendar later in this agenda.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR.
Items listed on the consent calendar are considered routine and may be enacted by one motion. Any item may be removed for discussion at the request of a Council Member.
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar dated January 9, 2023 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Stimpson, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 5 to 0 roll call vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
January 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
a. Approval of the December 12, 2022 Meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report for December 2022 in the amount of $667,230.99. c. Approval of Payroll Expenditure Report for December 2022 in the amount of $331,008.50.
d. Receive Fire Department Monthly Report for December 2022. e. Receive Police Department Monthly Report for December 2022. f. Receive Building Department Monthly Report for December 2022. g. Authorization of side letter agreement with SEIU re. permit technician classification. h. Acceptance of Committee Assignments [confirming decision made at 12/12/22 meeting].
1. Resolution 2023-01 authorizing GeoCon Agreement for Oro RAW under ECRG fund.
5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS.
This section is to provide staff an opportunity to present oral status reports on issues. No legal action is expected to be taken by the Council.
Public Works Superintendent, Bree Wilder - Thanks to councilmembers, fire department, and police department for their support and availability to assist public works crews during the flood. On 12/30/22, one of the sewer lift stations at the high school was taking on so much water that the two pumps running simultaneously couldn't keep up. Two public works guys were there pumping sewage and dumping it throughout the night into the next morning. The public works small crew was very busy and kept up with everything the best they could. Thanks to the public works crew for their hard work in keeping the sewer water in the plant. There was something like 6 million gallons of water per minute flowing, and a few changes were made on the collection side and water is being reduced slowly.
Interim Fire Chief, Dale Fishback- Thankful to fire department, police department, and public works for communicating and working together as a team in the middle of the night. 59 calls received over the weekend into this week. 80 hours' worth of volunteer hours booked along with paid staff hours in the week. Multiple calls for flooding, as well as trees and power lines down, and even a fire. Fire truck one has been out of service for five months and hoping to have it back in service in the next few weeks.
Year end report: Between 2021 and 2022, fire department was down four call differential, so a very steady pace between the two years. Response level was down by almost one personnel per call due to a little lack in volunteers this year. Thanks to those who made it to the Fire Association dinner. Two awards given: Mike Jones / "Most dedicated firefighter of the year" for making the most calls throughout the year as a volunteer, and Ashley Anaya / "Firefighter of the year" for being overall the most improved, most dedicated, and valuable person on the volunteer side last year.
Mayor McLean relayed thanks to Chief Fishback from Sasha at Sasha's Place on Main Street for help on her electric power breakers and identifying the problem.
Police Chief, Chris Mynderup- Thanks to public works for amazing work on clean up with limited/shorthanded crew during the flood. Civic center was opened for any potential evacuees, and public recognition for Mike Brewer for running this shelter. Utilized by a couple people, including an elderly gentlemen from 401 Clinton that was rescued (along with his cat) from floodwaters, and he was eventually moved to the County OES shelter to be introduced to Red Cross. January 4-5, 2023, most of sworn staff participated in active shooter training conducted at Argonaut High School campus. Thanks to the Sheriff's department for hosting nearly every law enforcement agency in the county, as well as January 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
fire and medical responders. PD is prepared as a county should a critical incident ever occur at one of the school campuses. During the torrential downpour, PD was able to track down a suspect stealing mail from people's mailboxes- the officer was able to recognize the reported vehicle from the previous day resulting in arrest. Recovered mail from about 30 different victims (mostly from the south end of Jackson Scottsdale area.
City Manager, Yvonne Kimball- Longtime resident, Mary Jones, passed away and her funeral was this morning. She and her family has directed any donation to go to the City of Jackson Detert Park. Thanks to the family.
[Moment of silence held at direction of Mayor McLcan for Mary Joncs.] City Attorney, Josh Nelson- Nothing to report.
6. COUNCIL REPORTS.
This section is to provide Council members an opportunity to present reports on their activities and to request item be placed on future agendas.
Councilmember Gonsalves- Appreciation and thanks to all City departments for working together very well during the recent storms, recognizing the shorthandedness and limited resources. She attended the Fireman's dinner and thanks for invitation.
Councilmember Godde- On December 19th, 2022, he was able to meet the newly elected State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil at the County building and asked her to keep in mind this area needs help taking care of our creeks. Requested to keep the state funded creek crew going, and the creeks are a lot bigger than what this little city can handle. Thanks to public works, fire, and police. Social media posts about the storm showed public works, fire, or police either protecting public property or helping people with private property.
Councilmember Stimpson- Also met with State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil and had a good meeting.
He was personally affected by flooding as well. He also helped All Power Brokers at their building with rock/mud removal. It may need public works assistance.
Vice Mayor Simmons- Attended Fireman's dinner.
Mayor McLean- Attended Amador County Transportation Commission and Amador County Transportation Agency meeting. Caltrans has Raise Funding Program with a deadline of February 28th 2023 for application and will follow up with City Manager Kimball. Tried to attend Jackson Business Association meeting with Councilmember Godde on Main Street, but it was cancelled this month.
Mayor McLean said he did some work with some of the merchants on Main Street cleaning out the basement underneath the building next to the National Hotel. He reported that they had lots of flooding and he helped to move out some of the equipment and antiques. He missed the meeting with the Senator and will be following up at the State Capital to seck support for creeks.
7. DISCUSSION CALENDAR.
January 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
For the record: Action minutes provide the necessary documentation of City Council actions and audio recordings are retained for those desiring more detail on particular agenda item discussions. These audio recordings provide an accurate and comprehensive backup of City Council deliberations and citizen discussion.
Public Comment on impact of flooding and severe storms:
Virginia Manner, President of Jackson Creek HOA, read a prepared letter requesting city county work together and declare emergency for the winter storm so that impacted residents can possibly get help from state and federal levels. She also urged the city to have a plan for future events (letter attached).
Debbie Rosengarten, Treasurer for Jackson Creek HOA, maintains that State mandates that minimum funding 10% of dues collected is in reserve, and the HOA is at their minimum and has no extra funds to support flood damages. Took extra funds during dry season and shored up gabions, sprinkler repairs, and replaced and capped lines to save money. 75% of her community is over 70 years old. Do not have funds between 15 units/residents on site (small community). Field backing up to property rezoned as high fire recently, increasing their fire insurance, an expense that had to be passed on to residents on limited incomes. Seeking help from the city and FEMA to replace their mud filled pool and repairs along creek.
Aurora Hicks, Homeowner in Jackson Creek HOA, said she is a 25-year resident and widow. Her garage was flooded along with step down living room. Her flood insurance has a $5000 deductible which is high for her on retirement income. Hoping FEMA can assist.
Mayor McLean provided a letter from Beau Gillman of Matich Vukovich Insurance Services regarding flood damage. The letter requests assistance from the City of Jackson, State and Federal assistance, and/or FEMA funds for Jackson residents effected by the flooding of Jackson Creek who are largely not covered by their homeowner/renter insurance. Preventative measures to reduce the risk of damage is also requested as a more permanent solution moving forward (letter attached).
Gerald West, resident attending remotely on Marcucci Lane, home was flooded and believes it could have been prevented if clog in drain had been cleared
Jeremy Badgis, 341 South Ave., Thanks to the police during the flood for help with saving mom (Mary Hite) from creek. Concerned about upcoming rainstorm with potential for more flooding. Presented an idea to potentially use a water pump to jump the bridge at Denny's Councilmember Stimpson clarified he may be referring to a type of lift station.
Jesse LaVielle, Resident on Stark Lane, said he is a veteran. He and eight of his friends (including Matt Riebe, previous councilmember) cleared the blocked bridge with a Jeep on their own, preventing his home from being flooded. Seeking proactive solutions to flooding by the city. Stated his story is on the front page of FOX 40 news. Complaint about metal plate on bridge on Stark Lane being noisy when vehicles drive over.
Mayor McLean inquires about bridge schedule to Matt Ospital/City Engineer. Matt advises there is a bridge replacement plan. Mayor McLean advised they are seeking FEMA money to help resolve the issue.
January 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
Mary Emde, resident at 425 South Ave., said he lives alone, is retired, has no insurance, is physically incapable, and seeking FEMA and city help.
Bree Wilder, Public Works Superintendent, reminds public sandbags are available at Jackson Corp yard with bags and provided address.
Anne Upshaw, identified herself as landlord to 345 South Ave. She said she was lied to when she bought the property and was told not to worry about the floods. She had tenants sign addendums acknowledging flood possibility. But last week's storm, her tenants were evacuated by Fire. She had to evict them due to damages like mold, leaks. She requests assistance now and asks for a date.
Mayor McLean empathized and advised State of California is facing similar questions regarding Highway 99 and Dillard Road, and could not predict the impact of the storm even with their vast resources and money. Governor Newsom issued a State of Emergency after Amador County adopted County's proclamation first. The impacts we are experiencing are happening all over the state.
Vice Mayor Simmons inquired about South Avenuc bridgc, and if it is first to be addressed. He wanted to know if French Bar will be raised first and then South Avenue and whether a plan with Corps of Engineers can be talked about to possibly increase size of the levy. Matt Ospital/City Engineer clarified South Avenue will not be raised but will be widened
John (Jack) Georgette, resident on N. Main, requested clarification from resident Anne Upshaw regarding if it was a real estate agent who told her not to worry about the creek. Anne advised it was the realtor, and John advised he does not believe anyone in the city would ever dismiss that creek.
Matt Ospital, City Engineer, advised that the Bridge Replacement Projects plan started in 2010 and is awaiting funding from Caltrans for French Bar soon. He added that bridges are not necessarily the problem, but rather the amount of water and debris hitting an area that we all know is in the FEMA floodplain. There is a map available that shows the 100-year floodplain runs right through the city.
Councilmember Gonsalves reminds the public that government money takes time. She also mentioned state government has been wanting to close the hand crew at the Pine Grove youth camp that cleans the creeks every year. Bree Wilder advised it was cut from 3-4 crews to one 14-person crew this past season.
Robert Dalton, resident 440 South Ave., remarked that we need to identify a projeel, get the resources to do it, and come up with a reasonable plan. He believes the city does not have the power to do that and the County ought to take care of it.
City Manager Yvonne Kimball advised that the rough estimates for damages due to recent storm/flood are approximately $2 million for the city owned properties and $3 million for private properties, with more data to be updated. These figures will be combined and provided to the county which can request funds from the state. The process takes time. She then added information to provide some perspective.
She said the city has approximately 30 employees, with only 6 employees working in Public Works.
Kimball recalled that she sent the Public Works Superintendent home after the third day of working with minimal sleep due to support being provided to the city during the storm. Councilmembers were also out in the community physically helping citizens in need and all available personnel and resources were January 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
working very hard to assist wherever they could. Regarding property taxes, to provide perspective, Kimball provided the following example- if a person owns a $500k home in Jackson, paying approximately $5k in taxes, then the City of Jackson only receives about $80. City's property taxes revenues are inadequate to solve all issues in the manner being requested.
Due to time constraints, the following residents expressed similar concerns, emotionality, and sought funds/assistance and boots on the ground support from the city and FEMA regarding flood/severe weather damage:
Mike McCrory (resident at 20 Marcucci Lane).
Steve Simmons (resident).
Ed Jones (resident).
Ralph Clark (resident).
a. Resolution 2023-02 Proclaiming a Local Emergency Due to Flooding and Sever Winter Storms that began in December 2022.
Motion to approve the Resolution 2023-02 proclaiming a Local Emergency Due to Flooding and Sever Winter Storms dated January 9, 2023 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Stimpson, and carried by a 5 to 0 roll call vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
b. Receive, discuss, and provide direction regarding (verbal) report from the Homeless Outreach Coordinator regarding the City's response to homeless issues.
Christine Platt highlighted the success of one homeless resident who has recently obtained employment and housing. There was a remembrance day for the loss of another one of her homeless clients recently. The impact of the recent flooding fully washed away an entire encampment and people living there lost everything. Efforts were made late into the evening to provide support, resources, and shelter to people experiencing homelessness in their time of need.
Mayor McLean asked for public comment on this topic and no public comment was received. c. Possible feedback/direction from Council on Mayor suggested initiatives [verbal presentation by Mayor McLean].
Mayor McLean briefly touched on the plan to begin the Beautification of Main Street. Other councilmembers wish him luck and reminded him of potential challenges to get consensus from everyone on Main St.
Mayor McLean asked for public comment on this topic and no public comment was received. d. Possible authorization to utilize the private sewer lateral SEP fund (Fund #246) to investigate and repair portion of Main St. sewer line.
Manager Kimball gave an introduction, explained the SEP fund was due to a penalty imposed by the Regional Board. The fund must be used to repair privately owned sewer laterals. She also gave a background of how the fund was used so far and recommended to use the remainder for a January 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
sewer lateral problem on Main St. Councilmember Simmons agreed that portion on Main St. needs to be dealt with.
Mayor McLean asked for public comment on this topic and no public comment was received Motion to approve authorization to utilize the private sewer lateral SEP Fund #246 to investigate and repair portion of Main St. sewer line dated January 9, 2023 as presented.
Moved by Councilmember Stimpson seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 5 to 0 roll call vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
8. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m.
9. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT.
No closed session.
ATTEST:
ohn doors oralle 1/25/23
John) Georgette, City Clerk Date Approved