CITY OF
CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
JACKSON March 274, 2023
LIFORNI
Mayor and Council Members John Georgette, City Clerk
Steve McLean, Mayor
Chad Simmons, Vice Mayor Staff Members:
Max Godde, Council Member
Bob Stimpson, Council Member Yvonne Kimball, City Manager Bree Wilder, Public Works Superintendent
ABSENT: Connie Gonsalves, Council Member Dale Fishback, Interim Fire Chief Chris Mynderup, Police Chief
Carleen Kirkpatrick, Administrative Assistant
Mayor McLean called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG.
Mayor McLean led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Motion to approve the City Council Agenda dated March 27, 2023 as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Godde and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES: Godde, McLean, Simmons, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonsalves
ABSTAIN: None
2. 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.
Mayor Mclean asked for Public Comments for matters not on the agenda and received none.
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3. 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 March 27h, 2023 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Stimpson, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES: Godde, McLean, Simmons, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonsalves
ABSTAIN: None
a. Approval of the Meeting Minutes for March 13th, 2023. b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $310, 105.07. c. Receive Fire Department Monthly Report for February 2023. d. Resolution 2023-10 Approving Lot Line Adjustment for APNs 044-530-038 and 044-340-040 Lot 83 of Jackson View, Phase 2 and Lot 1 of Stone Creek Subdivision.
4. 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 - Public Works department was able to get plates installed across the private sewer lateral on Main Street. The Civic Center Rehab project is up for bid. One contractor showed up for the pre-bid meeting on March 21, 2023, and the city is hoping to get at least one bid to complete the floors, ceiling, and outside of the Civic Center completed.
Councilmember Stimpson inquired about who the sewer lateral belongs to. Bree advised it is a private sewer lateral across main street, belonging to JB's and L&M, which is being covered by the grant program.
Interim Fire Chief, Dale Fishback - There was a structure fire late Friday afternoon at the hotel just south of City Hall which is still under investigation. The fire was contained quickly- just mattresses in a room that was being overhauled and reworked. No new information to report on Truck #1 negotiations with the insurance company. Engine 6333, still waiting on an overall quote for putting it back into service.
Mayor McLean inquired if the truck that caught on fire is the one in negotiations with the insurance company. Dale confirmed it is, the insurance company is taking responsibility, and just working on negotiating the costs. Councilmember Stimpson inquired if this is the ladder truck, and Dale confirmed. Vice Mayor Simmons advised he spoke with Captain Greathouse March 27h, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
about this truck, who had some great ideas. Dale confirmed. Vice Mayor Simmons advised of a phone call he received from Councilmember Stimpson regarding the fire truck situation, and the one truck remaining recently broke down as well. Dale advised the truck was repaired within about three hours, and acknowledged it is a difficult situation when you don't have a backup and the only truck available breaks down. Simmons advised the Captain needs to work on this to ensure the safety of Jackson citizens.
Police Chief, Chris Mynderup - Dandelion days was a huge success with no major issues. A couple vendors got a little intoxicated before cleaning up their booth Sunday, they stayed overnight in a cell to sleep it off, and no charges were filed. There was one incident Sunday- attempted break in at a vacant house. Three out of four responsible parties were apprehended by Jackson PD, two of which had loaded firearms. Gratitude expressed to PD for getting these guns off the street. Update on stabbing case- charges were upgraded due to severity of injuries to the victim were greater than initially thought. Upon discussion with the DA's office, an arrest warrant will be issued for attempted homicide, and Jackson PD has elicited assistance of an outside agency to help track down the suspect and bring him into custody. Mayor McLean advised Chief Mynderup to thank his troops and tell them good job.
Mayor McLean advised of a merchant complaint regarding booth rental to Hell's Angels. City of Jackson does not issue the permits- they are issued by the Lion's Club, and Hell's Angels sign up under a different name which makes it difficult for Lyon's to prevent.
City Attorney, Josh Nelson - California Governor rescinded several drought proclamations and regulations that have been enforced for several years, which don't directly impact Jackson.
Based on our number of connections, Jackson fell below the threshold for the 20% reduction in drought contingency plans, but it is still good news for the state in improving water supply conditions.
City Manager, Yvonne Kimball - City made a contribution of $2000 towards the countywide cleanup day scheduled for May or June, at the request of Amador County Code Enforcement Officer Michelle Gallaher at the last council meeting. City of Jackson pool programs are still at the preparation stage, and the new Pool Director conducted some interviews for lifeguards today.
City should have plenty of lifeguards to run the summer recreation swimming. Lifeguard certifications will need to be completed at the City of Folsom. She and Permit Technician BJ Wallace had a meeting with a Solar firm that conducts analyses for energy efficiency projects.
The firm looked into the city's possibility for more solar coverage in town. Upon study of the city's PG&E bill, the sewer plant is the city's largest power user. Then Civic Center, and swimming pool. solar is not the best option at this time. City's sewer plant lacks room for solar panels and surrounding properties are privately owned. City Hall and Civic Center does not have room either and the roof is not designed to support solar panels. There is the possibility of remote charging from a separate location offsite, but that regulation is about to expire. While solar does not appear to be practical anytime soon, if legislation changes on the remote charging it can be reconsidered.
Mayor McLean advised he would like to meet with the City Manager soon regarding the changed legislation, and stated he is happy to go to the state capital to talk to legislators.
McLean stated the parking lot at Civic Center would be perfect for solar panels which could also March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
provide shade for vehicles. City Manager advised this was considered, but with the amount of power used by the city this location would not provide enough power to make a difference. As technology continues to improve the city may be able to consider it in the future.
City Manager Kimball advised she and PW Superintendent Bree Wilder met with a couple residents from Jackson View Subdivision regarding some concerns about road conditions. Bree is working with the Jackson View developer on some solutions.
Kimball advised that City of Jackson has been getting inquiries about the use of the City Logo for private purposes, and she will be discussing this with the City Attorney. Mayor McLean stated he could see some potential problems with the city's logo being associated if something goes wrong.
5. 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 - Absent.
Councilmember Godde - Attended Amador County Water Agency Mixer and met the general manager. He spoke with Virginia Manner today and made a plan to meet after this next storm so she can show him the ongoing erosion occurring along the South Fork of Jackson Creek near their complex. He volunteered some time at the Kennedy Mine last week.
Councilmember Stimpson - Attended the Air District Board of Directors meeting. Attended the LAFCO meeting. Mayor McLean inquired if there will be a vacancy in LAFCO. Stimpson responded that Director Christina Berry has stepped down, and Rosanne Chamberlin is filling in temporarily until a new director steps in.
Vice Mayor Simmons - Completed his FPPC Form 700, and will be completing his Sexual Harassment training tomorrow during the rain. Had a great time at Dandelion Days helping at the Lyon's tent. Music was great and they raised over $10,000 at that one booth.
Mayor McLean - Attended Amador County Transportation Commission meeting. Attended Amador County Transit Authority meetings. Attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Attended the AWA Mixer. He has been working with the Main Street Business Association, and Caltrans regarding grant funding to build an archway over Main Street. He and City Manager Kimball met with a group of investors seeking to collect all the mine tailings available to process into completely natural fertilizer, with no phosphates or nitrates going back into creek or streams which causes problems. This process requires 20% less water for crops. They have started producing this fertilizer for Lowe's and Home Depot, and it has been studied by UC Davis and approved. McLean and Kimball connected them with US EPA and DTSC to work on Argonaut Mine and the Oro De Amador property. This material has successfully rehabilitated soil- test sites where 40 acres of almonds were going to be bulldozed because they could not produce anymore. When this product was mixed with the soil, they had a record crop the following year.
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McLean and Kimball are scheduled to meet with ACT's two attorneys and the school district this Thursday regarding the consolidation issue and lack of CEQA.
City Manager Yvonne Kimball advised that city staff PW Supt. Bree Wilder, Finance Manager Dalacie Blankenship, and Carleen Kirkpatrick are working behind the scenes on the city's submission for FEMA public assistance. The four of them had a meeting with FEMA, CalOES, and various other groups this week willing to offer their help in submission of paperwork for FEMA assistance. Vice Mayor Simmons inquired about an extension for assistance with FEMA.
Kimball responded individuals now have until March 315t, 2023 to submit their applications, and can obtain help with the application at the County Admin Building at 810 Court Street to talk to FEMA/SBA reps.
6. DISCUSSION CALENDAR.
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.
a. TOT fund request for sign on 149 Main St. [Property owner Tracey Towner] Ms. Towner advised the banner is being placed on the wall she owns at this location and was designed by Merzlak. It depicts photos of Jackson in 1914 and 2023, with a space for upcoming events. She requests TOT to fund the sign.
Mayor McLean opened this for discussion and consideration.
Vice Mayor Simmons asked which businesses are listed on the banner. Tracey advised it includes: Upcountry Pools (her business), Merzlak Signs (designer of the banner), Ledger Dispatch, and City of Jackson. Cam Merzlak joined Tracey at the podium and advised that PBM Photography, local photographer Michael Cozad, were able to take the present-day photo from the same vantage point as the original 1914 photo. Cam advised he cannot begin to understand how they were able to create this photo with the limited technology in 1914. Cam suggested added QR codes to the banner for places such as the Kennedy Mine, for tourist information.
Cam gave credit to Ledger Dispatch for writing the description on the banner.
City Manager Yvonne Kimball explained that the applicant is requesting to have TOT funds pay for this banner in the amount of $2500. She acknowledged that the sign technically violates city sign regulation but will be city owned with a purpose to promote city's main street. Kimball advised she discussed the usage of city logo on this sign with the City Attorney and requested council to run this banner by the Design Review Committee for acknowledgement. City Attorney Josh Nelson stated he agrees with Yvonne that there is no concern for use of the logo on this banner and suggested a short agreement be drafted with Ms. Towner regarding payment for the sign, duration of the sign placement, and use of the city logo. Vice Mayor Simmons requested what the banner verbiage says. Cam Merzlak read the banner verbiage aloud.
Council member Stimpson commented that the sign should have been reviewed by DRC first before it reached Council.
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Mayor McLean asked Cam Merzlak if he had any records on the old sign on top of the city fire House. Cam advised he has photos of it. Mayor advised they are considering replacing that sign and they can connect later.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments.
Virginia Manner inquired about use of the photos on the banner for creating merchandise and memorabilia for tourists, to generate some funds for the community and small businesses, and/or to display in the museum.
Mayor requests a motion.
rich 12420214s present and eve by othere one a piss, sector 250 dated Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES: Godde, McLean, Simmons, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonsalves
ABSTAIN: None
b. Authorization for Mayor to submit a letter of opposition to placement of the sexually violent predator William Stephenson in Amador County.
City Manager Yvonne Kimball advised the Sheriff Redman and the DA's office joined in opposition of this placement, as the SVP has no ties to this community. The Board of Supervisors is reviewing this topic tomorrow to consider also sending a letter of opposition as well. Yvonne explained that despite this placement being in the unincorporated area of our county, our community would be impacted due to being the county seat, as well as commerce, Police Chief Chris Mynderup advised that William Stephenson's crimes date back to 1991 when he was charged with PC 243.4A (Sexual Battery), PC 288A (Oral Copulation by Force, Fear, or Violence), PC 289A (Sexual Penetration with a Foreign Object by Force), and PC 220 (Assault to Commit Rape), indicating he is a very serious violent predator. Chris advised this is a civil commitment, as he will be placed here with no supervision from parole, probation, or any law enforcement entity, placing a burden on our community. He advised Sheriff Redman's team did an outstanding job investigating the placement location, and the agencies involved did not appear to do any vetting into the proposed location.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
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Vice Mayor Simmons asked if Mr. Stephenson will be released into a home? Chief Mynderup advised he is proposed to be placed in a residence at 18901 Shake Ridge Road, and Sheriff Redman would have more information on how they determined that proposed residence. Mayor McLean stated with no support or family in the area for Mr. Stephenson, he is surprised other cities haven't also come forward. Chief Mynderup advised he is also drafting a letter supporting Sheriff Redman's opposition to this placement.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none. Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to authorize Mayor to submit a letter of opposition to placement of the sexually violent predator William Stephenson in Amador County, dated March 27h, 2023 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Stimpson, seconded by Vice Mayor Simmons, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: Godde, McLean, Simmons, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonsalves
ABSTAIN: None
c. Receive status update on active grant list with a total award amount of $17,108,866.
Kimball explained that the City has 16 active grants and special funds. They range from transportation to homeless to parkland to drainage and utility infrastructure. The projects are:
Sutter street extension, Highway Safety Improvement Project, Local Early Action Project, SB2- General Plan, CDBG-CV2, Park Per Capita, Equitable Community Revitalization Grant, HAPP R2 (shower/vehicle), HHAP R3, Bridge Grants (federal aid- French Bar, Pitt St, & South Ave), Fire Safer Grant, American Rescue Plan, Supplemental Environmental Projects, Water Reservoir Grant, Sewer Cleanwater, and Sutter Street Drainage.
Kimball, Chief Mynderup, PW Superintendent Wilder and Finance Manager Blankenship went through all projects, and gave an update of each, including what to expect. Kimball highlighted that these projects amount to $17,108,866 in total.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
Council member Stimpson asked where Stark Lane Bridge project is. Kimball responded that staff tried a couple of times to add stark lane bridge to the grant list. But the project was denied every time. Mayor McLean said it might not fit grant criteria. Other options? Kimball said the city could use other local special funds to upgrade the bridge.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none. Mayor and Councilmembers thanked staff. Kimball said she'll bring back the ARPA fund details.
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d. Review of the unaudited FY 21/22 Finance Data, and FY 22/23 Mid-year budget review.
City Manager Kimball provided an overview of FY 21/22 financial status. She highlighted that last year was a very challenging year. But Team Jackson persevered, and things are looking up now. It is anticipated that the General Fund would end in about $500,000 surplus. The surplus still needs to be divided into committed fund, assigned fund balance. Not all the money can be used as unassigned fund balance. The formal audit should be available in April. Most Finance staff are new and therefore the audit process has taken longer than usual.
Kimball went on to review the current year FY 22/23. She pointed out some concerns. On the revenue side, TOT receipts have been lagging; permit revenues are volatile due to economy; sales tax has reached a plateau, so is the property tax. On the expenditure side, health care costs are increasing more than inflation; pension costs increasing; three bargaining units are about to negotiate MOUs. She added that city's sewer fund is doing very well. The current rate will expire in June 30, 2023. Staff recommends continuing the current rate structure if a new study is conducted. Kimball also reported that the water fund for the first time in a few years were seeing a better outlook.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion. Council was pleased about the expected general fund surplus for FY 21/22, acknowledged the FY 22/23 reports, and directed to look into the TOT delinquency issue.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none. Mayor requests a motion. e. First Reading of Ordinance No. 728 amending City of Jackson Municipal Code Section
14.04.030 Building Standards Code to revise the snowload standard.
City Manager Yvonne Kimball reminded council that in December the city adopted the 2022 California Building Standards Code, with a snowload of zero pounds per square foot, following a standard set by the American Society of Civil Engineers. With the drought conditions, the city's elevation, and being in line with the county snowload, it seemed reasonable to adopt a zero- pound snow load standard. However, immediately after passing the ordinance the city and surrounding area experienced severe weather events leading to the city engineer reevaluating our conditions and suggesting returning the snowload to 20 pounds per square foot. Kimball advised this is a prudent decision to go back to the 20 pounds snow load standard considering recent Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion. McLean inquired if council is adopting the full ordinance or amending the current ordinance. City Attorney Josh Nelson advised this meeting is meant to introduce the first reading and will return to city council in two weeks, as it requires a public notice.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none. Mayor requests a motion.
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Motion to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 728 amending City of Jackson Municipal Code Section 14.04.030 Building Standards Code to revise the snowload standard (Ordinance No. 728), dated March 27, 2023 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Stimpson, seconded by Councilmember Simmons, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: Godde, McLean, Simmons, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonsalves
ABSTAIN: None
7. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 8:31 p.m.
8. CLOSED SESSION.
None.
ATTEST:
Date Approved