CITY OF
CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
JACKSON July 24th, 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 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, Deputy City Clerk
Mayor McLean called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG.
Mayor McLean led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. CEREMONIAL
• Introduction and swearing in of Public Works Foreman promoted to Assistant Public Works Superintendent: Trevor Hoaas.
• Introduction and swearing in of Administrative Assistant I appointed and promoted to Deputy City Clerk: Carleen Kirkpatrick.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Motion to approve the City Council Agenda dated July 24'h, 2023 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Godde, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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.
No public comments.
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Mayor McLean publicly noted the City's disapproval and strong stance against the recent Anti-Jewish propaganda that has recently been circling around Jackson and Sutter Creek. Councilmember Gonsalves was among one of the victims with an antisemitic package left in her yard, though her camera did not pick up the perpetrator.
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. a. Approval of the July 6 Special meeting minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $1,247,022.52. i. Award contract to Folsom Chevrolet for Public Works work truck. d. Possible reappointment of Planning Commissioners Thornton Consolo and Sierra Grandbols tor two more years, through June 30th, 2025.
c. Approval of Interim City Manager employment agreement with Police Chief Chris Mynderup. f. Acceptance of City of Jackson's Letter of Response to the Notice of Preparation - School Closure/Consolidation Program Project.
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar dated July 24'h, 2023 as presented. Moved by Mayor McLean, seconded by Vice Mayor Simmons, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Godde, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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 - Public Works painted red curbs today, and will paint the red and yellow curbs on Main Street tomorrow in preparation for school starting back up. CalFire Pine Grove Camp called today, wanting to start creek clean up Monday. Wilder has a biologist coming tomorrow as creck work is not supposed to begin until after October 31s due to bird nesting season.
Pine Grove camp only has one crew with 11 people, so City needs to take advantage of their ability to work when it is available. Councilmember Gonsalves inquired about CalOES creek dredging and Wilder advised there is no update. The tree stumps at Detert Park were removed before July 3r° events for safety reasons at City cost with no answer from CalOES or FEMA on whether we will receive reimbursement. Councilmember Stimpson advised for creek work, City will deal with EPA. Wilder added City will also have to work with Fish and Wildlife and Army Corps of Engineers. Sutter Street drainage project with DTSC is still waiting approval of private property owners for entry to hegin work around the end of August. County Public Works yard near the airport was broken into Saturday with a loss of approximately $40k in STIHL brand chain saws, weed eaters, etc. City is ensuring our yard is locked down in response.
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Police Chief, Chris Mynderup - Sutter Creek Police Chief Jim O'Connell notified Jackson PD they were hit with the same antisemitic literature and both departments are on the lookout for perpetrators of these hate crimes. KCRA 3 news posted a blurb on June 20* regarding multiple reports of similar literature being distributed in Sacramento. Jackson PD is sharing information with Sacramento PD and the Sacramento Sheriff's Department to assist in the investigation of these crimes. Photographs provided by the Vice Mayor may be helpful in identifying suspects. Chief Mynderup expressed his disgust and abhorrence for this behavior. Vice Mayor Simmons asked if PD believes it could be the same people who recently protested in front of the National Hotel, and Chief Mynderup responded it is possible but they do not know at this point.
Interim Fire Chief, Dale Fishback - A small (30ft by 6ft area fire broke out at 300 New York Ranch Road last night and was put out by a Jackson police officer before Fire arrived. Someone walking by reported the fire, stating they seen someone throw something into the grass and continued walking. No further information on whether it was accidental or intentional. Fire is losing a reliable volunteer firefighter who obtained a full-time job elsewhere, so staffing is a little low with Captain Digirolomo out on light duty as well. Truck 1 will be paid for shortly and coming back into service. Councilmember Stimpson requested an update on Captain Digirolomo, and Chief Fishback advised surgery is not expected and he may be back within the month to full duty.
City Attorney, Josh Nelson - No report.
City Manager, Yvonne Kimball - Kimball expressed pride in the Jackson city staff team built over the past six years that have been tremendous for the City's overall success. In light of tonight's promotions, Kimball acknowledged Trevor Hoaas and Carleen Kirkpatrick personally for their hard work and dedication to the City of Jackson, recognizing each of their individual contributions to the City.
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 - Attended an AFPA meeting (via Zoom); Measure M passed and Jackson Fire Department was fine with the monies and percentages.
Councilmember Godde - Attended the Cemetery Committee meeting on July 12'h (no quorum) and noted the committee is short a committee member. One attendee of the meeting expressed some interest in joining, and it is open to individuals outside the city as well as city residents. Attended the Rollingwood Emergency Preparedness meeting and was tasked to bring some concerns to Fire. Godde met with Captain Jesse Digirolomo regarding some properties bordering Rollingwood, which Fire will be following up on. Rollingwood is working on gaining access to a cut road leading to the City shop, should a fire hit on the East side. Attended Kennedy Mine meeting last week, and Bill Braun will be attending the next council meeting to review the whole process for restoring Tailing Wheel #1.
City Manager Yvonne Kimball advised that City of Jackson is making a $20k donation to the restoration of Kennedy Mine Tailing Wheel #1 and will be provided to Patrick Crew, Chair to the Amador Community Foundation on Wednesday.
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Councilmember Stimpson - He has been working with LAFCO over the past couple weeks, and they have selected their new Executive Director Byron Damiani Jr., replacing Interim Director Roseanne Chamberlain.
Vice Mayor Simmons - No report.
Mayor McLean - Attended ACT meeting (where he is Vice Chair) and Amador Transit Meeting.
7. 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 delibcrations 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 advised homeless shower program is going well and the next round of grant money will be used to continue the shower project. Interviews have been completed for the part time outreach position. One unhoused person is in process of going to rehab and one is being reunited with their family. Over the weekend, Platt delivered 6-8 bags of ice to unhoused individuals to help secure their food. Mayor McLean inquired about the number of homeless in our community. Platt advised the number fluctuates and her primary function is to help unhoused end their journey of homelessness rather than identify/track numbers. Rough estimate is about 70 individuals she connects with that come and go in the city, but do not necessarily stay here. The countywide number was approximately 150 in January. Platt and Chief Mynderup previously met with the Sonora Chief of Police as they were interested in creating a program similar to this one for their own unhoused population, and they observed unhoused sleeping in the street in front of stores and alleys, which we do not see here. Chief McLean asked if unhoused are able to utilize a computer to look for work.
Platt advised that some do use the computer for applying for work, apartments, benefits, social security, disability, etc.
b. Pickleball Club requesting funding to restripe the Mike Daly Memorial Tennis Court to enable four pickleball courts along with the tennis court (two options presented $9500 or $11,500). [Mayor McLean request, Keith Sweet presentation]
Keith Sweet advised there are 16-17 pickleball players present in the meeting tonight in support of this request that utilize the facility, which is currently inadequate to host numerous players. He stated 30% of retired individuals in the United States are pickleball players, making it a very fast- growing sport. Jackson currently has 47 dues playing members. The new courts would allow them to start a youth program next summer in coordination with the junior tennis program. Other members spoke about their frustration with wait times due to only having two courts.
Councilmember Stimpson inquired about the discrepancy in the two bids. Mr. Sweet advised one company commutes from Rocklin while the other is out of Valley Springs. Vice Mayor Simmons added the Rocklin company is a contractor that has to pay workers compensation and liability insurance, while the Valley Springs company doesn't have those costs. Mayor McLean inquired July 24th, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
about the tennis players' opinion on the project and Sweet advised there is a letter in the packet from tennis advising they are also in support. Sweet advised all the tennis lines will be repainted in the bid as well. Justin Howard, Director from ACRA advised ACRA can assist with regional park new projects, though not the repair or painting of existing park features. Vice Mayor Simmons requested PW Supt Wilder to speak on the grant information. Wilder advised ACRA has received park grant funds in the amount of $400k which this project is eligible under, and Lydia Willett is the grant officer overseeing City and ACRA grant funds. Justin Howard wanted it stated on the record that ACRA is in support of creating more pickleball opportunities and they are simply taking a skeptical approach in case there are any issues encountered. Vice Mayor Simmons asked Director Howard to inquire with ACRA board and the grant officer and get back to us. Howard agreed to connect with the board at the upcoming August 9th meeting and report back. Councilmember Stimpson asked City Attorney Nelson to speak on use of Park-In-Leiu money for the project. Nelson advised there are two concerns: 1. Increasing capacity could qualify it as a new facility. 2. City is not doing the project itself but donating funds for the club to do it. If City completes the project, it will require prevailing wage, etc. Councilmember Gonsalves asked Mr. Sweet when work is expected to commence. Sweet advised both companies are waiting for results of this meeting and identifying funding sources. Council decided to table this discussion until the next council meeting to gather further information on ACRA funding and use of Park-In-Leiu funds. Yvonne Kimball advised in addition to Park-In-Lieu moneys, TOT can be used. Also, ARPA can assist with funding the project based upon its purpose of improving public health.
Motion to table the Pickleball Club funding request to restripe the Mike Daly Memorial Tennis Court to enable four pickleball courts along with the tennis court until August 14", 2023. Moved by Mayor McLean, seconded by Councilmember Stimpson, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Godde, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
C. Receive a verbal report from Amador County Assessor Jim Rooney on real property assessments for the City of Jackson.
Jim Rooney/Amador County Assessor introduced Assistant County Assessor Jeff Hillman to give the presentation on real property assessments in Amador County for 2022-2023 fiscal year. Countywide all assessments total were up 6.76% over the prior year, with Jackson's incorporated area up 3.84%. This is the first year lone outpaced Jackson, mostly due to the Castle Oaks community growth. From 2008 to 2023, assessments have gone up 35.78%. The low was in 2013, and from 2013 to 2023 assessments went up 55%, which is substantial. This year, Jackson has 1,516 residences, up 11 from the previous year. 940 of these residences are considered primary residences- not vacation or rental homes.
With regard to Prop 13, from 1980 to 2022 to population of the State of California has gone up about 55% while inflation has gone up about 230% and revenues from property taxes have gone up nearly 1000%. The State doesn't have a revenue problem- it has a spending problem. Prop 13 has been very beneficial to communities like ours. If property taxes went up as fast as property values, some people would be losing their homes.
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d. Possible acceptance of a City Manager Recruitment Service Agreement with John Berchtold (in the amount of $9,500 plus up to $1,500 in-state travel) and Appoint two Council members as the recruitment committee (as requested by Consultant).
City Manager Yvonne Kimball advised at the suggestion of council; this agreement is a result of their direction to hire a recruiter to find the next City Manager. John Berchtold is the same recruiter that found Yvonne Kimball six years ago and he is eager to assist the city again. John Berchtold (attending remotely gave a short presentation outlining his recruitment process and expected timeline for the recruitment. [Material related to the recruitment process is available in the meeting packet.] Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion. Councilmember Godde clarified with Councilmember Gonsalves that Mr. Berchtold interviewed department heads during the last recruitment process and she confirmed. Council expressed agreement and support for Mr. Berchtold's effective recruitment process six years ago.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none. Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to approve the City Manager Recruitment Service Agreement with John Berchtold (in the amount of $9,500 plus up to $1,500 in-state travel) on July 24th, 2023 as presented.
Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Vice Mayor Simmons, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Godde, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion to appoint Mayor McLean and Councilmember Godde to be on the recruitment committee working with John Berchtold on July 24', 2023 as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Godde, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
e. Resolution No. 2023-29 obligation of the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) Fund.
City Manager Yvonne Kimball advised the city has received $1.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in 2021 that is required to be spent by December 2026. With pending grant funds to he spent, inflation, and labor shortages, the city chose to wait on spending the funds, which was a good call.
Council has already obligated ARPA funds to purchase a street sweeper, and there is approximately $800K remaining to be spent. City staff/finance committee recommend allocating the remaining funds July 24", 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
to purchase two police vehicles, a fire engine or fire heavy equipment, $23K to cover homeless outreach personnel expenses, the Civic Center improvement project change order expenses, and remainder for Stark Lane Bridge. If any money remains after these expenses (which could be $10-15k) pickleball requests or other public health related expenses could be considered. This resolution defines planned spending of the ARPA fund.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion. Councilmember Gonsalves inquired about increased security at the City Corp Yard. Vice Mayor Simmons and PW Supt Wilder advised the Corp Yard has already been addressed and secured. Council discussed considering increased security or cameras for the water reservoir as well as the possibility of drones for the police department or building inspector. Kimball advised these are all good ideas and encouraged council to approve the funds as allocated in the resolution. Council inquired about the stability of Stark Lane Bridge. PW Supt Wilder advised the bridge is decaying on the underside with exposed rebar, the bottom 4" of the bridge has dropped off from logs hitting it, and the exposed rebar is rusting out. Wilder advised the bridge was turned in to CalOES during the 2017 storms and it was denied, and since then it has only gotten worse.
City has submitted for assistance with the bridge to CalOES and FEMA again, but the outcome for assistance doesn't look promising.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none. Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2023-29 obligation of the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) Fund on July 24'h, 2023 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Godde, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
f. Consideration and possible adoption of Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Budget by reference:
• Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-26 Setting a Tax Related Appropriation Limit in Compliance with Article XIIIB of the Constitution of the State of California for Fiscal Year 2023-24 • Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-27 Approving the City Operation Budget and City Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24
• Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-28 Authorizing Full-Time Positions in the City Service Effective July 1, 2023, in Accordance with the Operating Budget for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year (Budget message includes Council Strategic Goals & Objectives, FY 22/23 In Review/Team Accomplishments; FY 23/24 Budget Sheets: summary, CIP details, expenditures by fund).
City Manager Kimball advised the city is in excellent financial shape currently thanks to Council's direction, city staff dedication, and community support. Revenues, including property taxes, sales taxes, andTOT are steady. There has been a decrease in building and permitting. Vehicles licensing is going up steadily each year. Franchise fee is going up but not significantly. The general fund expenditure is status quo again this year, focusing on infrastructure, roads, transportation and safety July 24t, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
related needs. She went on to the Capital Improvement projects. She said Stark Lane is denoted in the CIP list to be founded by ARPA. But if we do not use ARPA funds, there are other transportation funds that can be used for the project. City is partnering with DTSC on a drainage project which will be coming out of the transportation impact fees. General fund has funds allocated for a fire vehicle. The police department has some internal promotions and potentially hiring a full time detective, which is reflected in the resolution for full time positions. The general fund does not appear balanced on the spreadsheet, but this is mainly due to a timing issue and in the projected year there is over $500k in surplus. Water and sewer funds are doing very well and a vehicle is budgeted to come out of the water fund that was approved earlier in this meeting; another one is budgeted under the general fund/street and the sewer fund and will be utilized by sewer, roads, and other public works functions. The pool program returned in house this year and is doing well. But it will never be self sufficient due to maintenance and behind the scenes costs. Measure M is doing well and has a surplus. We just hired a new engineer, and should be able to cover one additional full time pusitiun pussibly next year which can be considered by the Interim City Manager. Under transportation funds, there are gas money (which is accounted for under the general fund), SB1 funds, local transportation impact fees, local transportation RSTP funds from ACTC. The County is interested in creating a sales tax measure, which this information will be helpful for. Finance can provide more information regarding those discussions in the future. The continuing grants that need to be finished are Park Per Capita, ARPA, CDBG CV 2-3, ECRG and homeless outreach grants.
Kimball thanked the finance committee and Interim City Manager Mynderup for meeting with her to review the budget, as well as staff in their assistance on creation of the budget.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion and received none. Vice Mayor Simmons and Councilmember Stimpson said that they are on the Finance Committee and have already reviewed these items.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none. Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to adopt Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Budget through adoption of Resolution No. 's 2023-26, 2023-27, and 2023-28 on July 24h, 2023 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Stimpson, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Godde, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
8. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m. to August 14, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
9. CLOSED SESSION.
• CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Agency designated representatives: Yvonne Kimball; Josh Nelson Employee organizations: All Units
July 24th, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
10. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 9.00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on August 14, 2023.
ATTEST:
vn 811/23
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Johy Georgette, City Clerk Date Approved