CITY OF
CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
JACKSON May 8', 2023
CALIFORNIA
Mayor and Council Members John Georgette, City Clerk
Steve McLean, Mayor
Chad Simmons, Vice Mayor Staff Members:
Max Godde, Council Member
Connie Gonsalves, Council Member
Bob Stimpson, Council Member
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.
Mayor McLean held a moment of silence to honor Chief Mark Morton.
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 May 8i4, 2023 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Councilmember Stimpson, and carried by a 5 to O vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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.
Dianne Oneto - Expressed thanks to Council, Jackson Police, Public Works, the community, and the City Manager for support of the Kit Carson Mountain Men Wagon Train and Days of 49 street celebration Kiddie Parade and hopes to do it again next year. She individually thanked Councilmember Max Godde and Planning Commissioner Thornton Consolo for being last minute judges. She enjoyed bringing the talking toads to the school assemblies, which the kids loved.
May 8th, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
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 May 8th, 2023 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Stimpson, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
a. Approval of the April 24, 2023 Meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $176,549.10. c. Approval of Payroll Expenditure Report in the amount of $356, 735.51. d. Reccive Jackson Fire Department Monthly Report for April 2023. e. Receive Jackson Police Department Monthly Report for April 2023.
I. Receive Building Department Monthly Report for April 2023. g. Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 729 amending City of Jackson Municipal Code sections regarding cemetery prices, eligibility requirements for the Cemetery Committee and the Design Review Committee.
h. Resolution No. 2023-15 Adopting a List of Projects and Approving the Use of SBI: The Road Repair and Accountability Act Funding for City Street Projects for FY2023-24.
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 - The pool rehab project is underway and going smooth with new tiles placed, getting steps up to code, and possibly will start spraying in fiberglass this week or early next. Last Friday, Public Works partnered with Police Chief Mynderup and PD to clean up the homeless encampment under the Broadway bridge. This Thursday, he will be working there again with CalFire to move bedrock and put riprap back to level the uneven ground created by the homeless. He hopes CalFire will also have time to assist with berry trimming at the Corp yard and another location.
Police Chief, Chris Mynderup - On Thursday, April 27'h , Jackson PD assisted with trying to apprehend 35-year-old David Lee Salke Jr. when he fled custody at the Amador County Courthouse. JPD Officers Tollett, Merry, and Sergeant Arevalos responded to the area. Officer Tollett chased the defendant into Calaveras County after he stole a white Chevy Truck until it was no longer safe to continue the pursuit, which was the right call for the situation. With the help of CHP, the Sheriff's Department was later able locate the vehicle through the OnStar GPS system but the subject fled on foot. Deputies were called away to a rescue attempt response for a male subject in Tiger Creek, who unfortunately was found deceased the next day. As far as he knows, Mr. Salke is still on the loose and the Sheriff's May 8th, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
Department is still looking for him. He will provide an update once the subject has been caught. There were no injuries to any officers, and one police vehicle sustained minor mirror damage.
On Sunday, April 30'h, , the Days of 49 Wagon Train Kiddie Parade took place with no issues and a good turnout. Mynderup gave a public thank you to Debby Collins for donating the sponsorship fee for the police department, and they were able to have a banner on one of the wagons and another banner flown at the various locations where they stopped. Mayor McLean acknowledged and thanked Debby Collins as well.
Regarding the homeless encampment cleanup under the Broadway bridge, folks were given a two-week notice to gather their belongings and relocate. It was getting out of hand and PD did not want them clogging city waterways. He thanked PW Superintendent Bree Wilder and crew as well as Chief Fishback and the Fire Department for their assistance. They were able to fill up a large dumpster in about an hour and a half and intend to make sure the area does not become inhabited again.
Officer Walshaw will be representing Jackson Police Department at the 2023 Police Unity Tour in New Jersey on a four-day bike ride from May g'h-12'*, ending at the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial in Washington, DC. It is a 300-mile trek, and Officer Walshaw will be riding a department motorcycle, assisting with traffic control for the bicyclist, and raising awareness of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. All costs associated with Jackson PD involvement have been funded by donations collected for the tour.
Interim Fire Chief, Dale Fishback - Notification was received today that Jackson Fire has been accepted for the Volunteer Fire Department grant application they submitted again this year for approximately $38,800.00, which is a 50/50 grant to be used towards radios and turnouts into next year's budget year.
Fire is enhancing the city weed abatement program this year due to increased rainfall and expectation of weeds being worse this year than usual. Captain Digirolamo has partnered with Building Inspector Jeff Taylor and Admin Assistant Carleen Kirkpatrick to strengthen the abatement process and enforcement with hopes of being more effective than in past years.
Councilmember Gonsalves inquired if Fire plans to conduct controlled burns, and Chief Fishback advised it is under consideration. With grasses expected to stay green longer and to be very tall and dry, they always consider the hazard first to determine if burns can be conducted safely.
City Attorney, Josh Nelson - Nothing to report.
City Manager, Yvonne Kimball - The Chevron gas station should be in full operation soon, pending a few final items with Building Inspector Jeff Taylor.
Regarding the cross department weed abatement program, she thanked Admin Assistant Carleen Kirkpatrick for leading the effort, coordinating with the fire department and code enforcement to hopefully have a very effective program. Mayor McLean thanked Kirkpatrick as well. Kimball advised our goal is not to penalize but rather to request compliance. Kimball expressed feeling very proud with heartfelt appreciation for her employees and team, especially for working together across departments to accomplish difficult tasks. The homeless encampment clean-up effort was another good example of cross department efforts displaying the wonderfulness of this community.
May 8th, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
There is a new Jackson library, and PW Superintendent Bree Wilder met with the librarian to review the lay of the land and complete some requested weed abatement. The librarian was very happy the City handled that and sent a thank you note to the city. Councilmember Stimpson asked why the City would be handling the weeds at that location, and PW Superintendent Wilder advised we took care of weeds in the front area, the corner right below the pool, our pool filter room, up around the park and back side of the pool, and around the playground equipment. No work was completed on County property. Wilder advised the librarian during their meeting what areas around the library are County versus City responsibility. City Manager Kimball advised it was good for the City to introduce ourselves as there are often questions about the library from citizens, and the library is not owned by the City.
On Thursday, Councilmember Godde and City Manager Kimball are planning to attend the Kennedy Mine Board Meeting. The City of Jackson has entered into an agreement to allow restoration of Tailing Wheel #1, and they expect to hear an update on this. Mayor McLean requested they try to get information on securing some old mining equipment for City use and display. Councilmember Stimpson advised to talk to Linda and David at Kennedy Mine. Councilmember Gonsalves advised to try to connect with someone from Argonaut Mine as well.
Summer swimming pool program sign ups started this week and city staff have been very busy bringing the program back in house. iviayor ivic ean advised he is happy the City is back io running the pool ourselves. Kimball advised that office staff and Admin Assistant Kirkpatrick has been instrumental in getting the swim program organized.
Councilmember Gonsalves circled back to inquire if the Fire Marshall will be involved in the weed abatement process. Chief Fishback advised the Fire Marshal will be informed but the department does not need his involvement. Vice Mayor Simmons requested the Fire Department to check high weeds near the tower where he will be doing work soon and Fishback agreed. Mayor McLean inquired about how neighbor complaints for weeds on vacant lots are being handled. Chief Fishback advised Admin Assistant Kirkpatrick has been helping to fine tune the enforcement process based on her previous experience to follow up on Fire's initial inspections and contacts.
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 - Attended Amador Fire Protection Authority Meeting on the April 27th where they discussed the distribution of the formula being discussed at the Chief's levels and will come back to the authority for approval and recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. There are two new chairs- Supervisor Patrick Crew is the chair of the Authority and Don Dowell from Lockwood District is Vice Chair.
Councilmember Godde - Attended the ACT meeting on April 25th in Sutter Creek. Volunteered some time at the Kennedy Mine Foundation and encouraged anyone interested to check out the Kennedy Mine website for upcoming events. May 19"-21" there will be a Civil War Reenactment, and on May 11" a speaker series will begin on "Quackery and Cures" - Early Medicine, at 7pm at the Change House, admission is free.
May 8', 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Stimpson - Nothing to report.
Vice Mayor Simmons - He helped to reserve the High School Girl's Softball game under the lights at Aimee Field last Friday, Jackson girls prevailed and he expressed gratitude to PW Supt. Bree Wilder for his assistance.
Mayor McLean - Attended the Amador County Transportation Committee (ACTC) meeting and the ACT meeting. He met with Executive Director John Gedney and they are putting together a letter to revisit the Creek Walk idea. They plan to save money by reusing and updating the previous application.
The project is a planned walkway from Mel and Fay's under Highway 49 to the National Hotel with a nice entryway and walkway that will eventually go all the way to Sutter Hospital, with other improvements. He was out of the country and unable to attend the monthly Chamber Board meeting.
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. Receive, discuss, and provide direction regarding (verbal) report from the Homeless Outreach Coordinator regarding the City's response to homeless issues. [Christine Platt] The Water Street Shelter is up and running, the shelter coordinator has been replaced, and they've been able to do some intakes for clients again. Christine was able to house two people in that shelter as well as two people at the Broadway shelter. She has another person about to be housed and should find out tomorrow. The Homeless Outreach Faire is scheduled for May 21s and 22n° at Detert Park with multiple agencies providing resources. She plans to attend and encourages others to attend, including a raffle for a free gas card. The Call Church has come to the mobile shower twice, with another church coming on Thursdays. The Call has been able to make a presence with the unhoused community to help determine and provide for individual needs by spending time with them. They are seeing an increase in use of showers now that the weather is getting nicer, averaging between 12-15 showers twice a week. Mayor McLean inquired about the number of unhoused in the area. Christine advised the numbers are rather fluid from day to day, though they have not seen an influx of people from out of the area. The unhoused population consists mostly of locals. Christine advised the people moved from under the Broadway bridge do not take advantage of services she provides, and unhoused are not moved along without being offered resources first. Mayor McLean acknowledged Christine's hard work with the unhoused and thanked her.
Vice Mayor Simmons brought up the individuals who attempted kicking in an older woman's door on Placer Drive before moving on to the house they intended to go to before officers arrived. The man and his mother who told Simmons this information stated the responding officer told them the City Council has tied the hands of the police and law enforcement. Simmons stated he does not understand what City Council has done but expressed if they can help, they'd be happy to assist however they can. Christine stated she advises anyone who feels uncomfortable by individuals in May gth , 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
their area should call the police and they will respond to any crime in process, regardless of whether they are unhoused or not. Chief Mynderup added it was an assumption that the individual who kicked the door was unhoused, and it was actually kids out there. Simmons reported someone advised him there are homeless parking on Placer and inquired if they are all licensed with licensed vehicles. Christine advised the public should call PD with any complaints of vehicles/licenses, and PD does respond and require the unhoused to show proof of license and vehicle licensing like anyone else. Simmons reported another individual inquired about the arsenic in the area where the unhoused are staying. Christine asked for clarification if the citizen is concerned about their wellbeing, or if he wants to know if there are alternatives available for them to stay, which is her greatest concern.
Mayor McLean circled back to inquire about the Water Street House being open and if past permit issues in the basement has been resolved to allow people to use the basement again. Christine advised she gets her information from ATCA and they were working on some sort of resolution for the lower level but she doesn't have the latest information on it. McLean asked how many people are housed at Water Street shelter and Christine advised there are seven currently, with room for nine upstairs and some additional space downstairs. Christine advised Water Strect has exccllent wraparound services and whole person care, and individuals there receive much heavier case management with access io more resources through other agencies which are very successful in gaining and maintaining employment.
b. Tracey Towner presenting an update on the process for hanging the banner at 149 Main Street [requested by Councilmember Gonsalves].
Tracey Towner covered the items of concern expressed in the document she provided for the agenda packet regarding banner placement at 149 Main Street. (Please reference the attached document in the agenda packet on pages 37 and 38 for more detail.) Councilmember Stimpson stated it would be great if Ms. Towner would return the check from the city to put this issue to an end. He advised it was meant to be a nice gesture and created a storm. Mayor McLean stated this project was never meant to be a negative and is a great banner with wonderful pictures of Jackson, new and old.
Mayor McLean acknowledged receipt of Ms. Towner's letter and specifically opposed her statement- [after nearly a month the banner was hung by the property owner with no help from the city whatsoever]. He stated he finds this statement to be totally inaccurate and the City tried to work with her many times to put the sign up. He referenced an email sent from Ms. Towner asking Public Works to delay coming out to install the sign until the 30th, and she chose to put up the sign prior to that date and then blame the City. Ms. Towner denied the email and moved on to express her concerns for including the Design Review Commillet on the banner.
City Attorney Josh Nelson advised the sign has the city logo/intellectual property (IP) of the City and a license agreement is needed. He advised a simple no-cost license to establish approval would suffice. He further explained if the City allows people to use IP without protecting it, we can lose the ability to exclude people from using it in the future. Councilmember Gonsalves advised of the "Jackson letters mural" rights being transferred to the City from the artist in the past. Attorney Nelson agreed the city owns the rights to the City Logo and the Jackson mural. Ms. Towner asked for the definition of IP and if the city has a copyright for the logo. Nelson defined IP and advised IP law is more than just copyrights, and the city owns the right to use the logo or the mural on a private sign. Ms. Towner advised she can remove the logo from her sign, and Nelson clarified this is not May 8th, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
what he suggested to the Council. There was some continued back and forth discussion between Ms.
Towner and the council, and Ms. Towner returned the $2500 check from the City of Jackson to council. City Manager Kimball offered to provide further clarification on government processes related to this subject at another time, upon request.
c. Inactive Revitalization Committee discussion and possible direction to rebrand it into an Economic Development Committee.
City Manager Kimball advised the Revitalization Committee was formed in 2008 with great intent, and city staff would like to continue the committee with a rebranding as the Economic Development Committee, especially considering "economic development" is one of the council's strategic priorities. The proposed options are to dissolve, reinstate, or rebrand the committee.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion. Councilmember Gonsalves advised she was originally the chair of the Revitalization Committee back in 2008 and it began with an interest in revitalizing downtown Main Street by working with downtown merchants. She advised the original intent of the committee was economic development, rather than just a beautification committee. She advised the "Creek Walk" was an idea that came out of this committee, and she is in support of rebranding it as an Economic Development Committee. Gonsalves advised the original committee was discussing a redevelopment agency and requested Attorney Nelson to explain the change in legislation. City Attorney Josh Nelson advised redevelopment agencies were funded through special property taxes, which the governor later eliminated to plug a hole in the state budget. Gonsalves asked if any successor versions of this tax fund have come about, and Attorney Nelson advised there have been though not as successful due to being funded through voluntary contributions.
Councilmember Stimpson pointed out the previous committee did not accomplish anything and sees no need for it to continue. Councilmember Gonsalves expressed hopefulness in involving the Merchant's Association and appointing new members. Mayor McLean advised he is interested in ideas that will promote, improve, and highlight businesses in Jackson. Council briefly touched on past beautification efforts downtown, including planting flowers and advertising available office space.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments. Tracey Towner inquired about the budget for this committee. City Manager Kimball advised committee members will be volunteers supported by in house staff. In the past, this committee has used TOT funds to support the Façade Grant, and there is no additional money budgeted, or stipend attached to the committee. Kimball advised there is approximately $5-6K available that can be requested from the Amador Community Foundation to support revitalization projects as well.
Council agreed to rebrand the Revitalization Committee as an Economic Development Committee, invite new members to apply, and install a sunset to reevaluate the effectiveness of the committee after a certain amount of time. Councilmember Godde advised he would donate some time to the committee. Committee members shall consist of seven members: two councilmembers, one merchant, two commercial property owners, one Jackson resident, and one Historic Jackson Business Association (HJBA) member.
May 8th, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
City Manager Kimball advised the Economic Development Committee can be designated to address specific focuses, such as the Sister City Program (Montenegro), the Creek Walk/Beautification, statewide Economic Development concerns, and the Façade Grant, under council discretion and advisement. Councilmember Stimpson advised the oldest Serbian Orthodox Church in North America is right here in Jackson, which contributed to the formation of the Sister City connection with Montenegro. Kimball advised an ad will be posted in the Ledger requesting applicants for the committee, which can then be reviewed, and members appointed by council sometime in June or early July. The committee can decide how often they would like to meet with direction from city council.
City Attorney Josh Nelson advised advertisement for members is appropriate at this time, and a resolution and guidelines can be created and brought back to council for approval. d. Resolution No. 2023-16 Adopting City Logo Policy.
City Manager Yvonne Kimball introduced the resolution, advising in the past logo use was addressed on a case-by-case basis. The proposed policy is straightforward, providing guidance for the city to consider requests for use of cily IP in a consistent manner. Admin. Assistant Kirkpatrick advised research was conducted into logo policies for cities similar in size to ours to help draft this policy and agreement.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion. Councilmembers discussed the length and extent of the policy, and City Manager Kimball further explained the purpose of the policy and agreement. City Attorney Nelson advised this policy and agreement may not have been needed in the past but would have been very helpful to provide guidance in situations like council faced today with the banner, streamlining the process for logo usage. Councilmember Gonsalves asked how the license fee for sales of items using the city logo will be enforced. Kimball agreed that can be difficult to enforce. City Attorney Nelson advised the license agreement is intended for non- commercial use, and a separate agreement would need to be drafted for commercial purpose uses.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to uccept Resulution No. 2023-16 Adopting City Logo Policy on May 8", 2023 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Stimpson, seconded by Vice Mayor Simmons, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
May 8t, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
7. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 8:31 p.m.
ATTEST:
oh n А. я 23
John Georgette, City Clerk Jate Approvel