CITY OF
CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
BACKSON August 12, 2024
ALIFORNIA
Mayor and Council Members John Georgette, City Clerk
Steve McLean, Mayor
Chad Simmons, Vice Mayor Staff Members:
Connie Gonsalves, Council Member Josh Nelson, City Attorney Bob Stimpson, Council Member Carl P. Simpson, City Manager Chris Mynderup, Police Chief
ABSENT: Dalacie Blankenship, Finance Manager
Max Godde, Council Member Bree Wilder, Public Works Superintendent Carleen Kirkpatrick, Deputy City Clerk
Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator
Mayor McLean called the meeting to order at 6:28 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG.
Mayor McLean led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. CEREMONIAL.
• Recognition for 6 years of service to the Jackson Police Department:
Kelly Perrault
• Introduction of new employees:
Police Clerk: Iesha Graham
Accounting Services III: Regina Odom-Smith
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Motion to approve the City Council Agenda dated August 12, 2024 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Stimpson, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Godde
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.
August 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
Jim Laughton (Jackson Resident) - Expressed concerns regarding the following: dissatisfied with not having zoom participation; requested opening the alley off Kennedy by the St. Sava Church; "Busi" Family name not on the new sign for Busi Parking lot;
Michael Garcia - Expressed concerns with PD response at the Kennedy Tailing Wheels park.
Mayor McLean read an emailed Public Comment item from Amy (blind resident) requesting audio format signage system accommodations via Right Ear and Soundscape for visually impaired individuals to better traverse the parks.
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.
Mayor McLean advised item 4(o) is removed from the Consent Calendar due to staff advising of a lack of required information from the Contractor.
Vice Mayor Simmons advised of a correction that his vote on the June 24, 2024 minutes regarding approval of TOT funds for Restore Amador, LLC was a "no" vote. (Change will be made by Clerk as directed.)
a. Approval of June 24, 2024 meeting minutes and July 24, 2024 Special meeting minutes (minutes updated to reflect correction of vote).
b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $17,687.12 (June 27, 2024), $754,066.42 (July 12, 2024), $182,263.13 (July 22, 2024) & $441,741.65 (August 9, 2024).
c. Approval of the June Payroll Expenditure Report in the total amount of $$401,027.12. d. Approval of the July Payroll Expenditure Report in the total amount of $1,092,817.85. e. Receive May 2024 Treasurer's Report.
f. Receive Building Department Monthly Report for June 2024. g. Receive Fire Department Monthly Report for June 2024. h. Receive Police Department Monthly Report for June 2024. i. Receive Building Department Monthly Report for July 2024. j. Receive Fire Department Monthly Report for July 2024. k. Receive Police Department Monthly Report for July 2024.
1. Resolution No. 2024-18 Approving and Adopting an Amended Conflict of Interest Code Pursuant to the Political Reform Act of 1974.
m. Receive Sewer Sanitation Management Plan Annual Report 2024. n. Resolution No. 2024-23 Approving ACTC Regional Traffic Mitigation Fee Annual Report. [ACTC Executive Director John Gedney attending with a brief report on relevant programs, if so, move to discussion calendar]
o. Resolution No. 2024-24 Accepting the Completion of Public Improvements for the Pine Street Sewer Replacement Prejeet, and Filing a Notice of Completion and Authorizing Recordation Therefore. Removed from Consent.
p. Resolution No. 2024-25 Accepting the Completion of Public Improvements for the City Sewer Project, and Filing a Notice of Completion and Authorizing Recordation Therefore.
August 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
q. Acceptance of comparator agencies for Citywide Salary Study by consultant Gallagher & Co.
r. Approval of SEIU Local 1021 Side Letter Agreement regarding MOU, COLA 5%, retroactive to July 1, 2024.
s. Approval of JPOA Side Letter Agreement regarding MOU, COLA 5%, retroactive to July 1, 2024.
t. Approval of JPFA Side Letter Agreement regarding MOU, COLA 5% increase, retroactive to July 1, 2024.
u. Approval of Special Event Permit Application - Jackson Lion's Club 2024 Halloween Parade.
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar dated August 12, 2024 as corrected. Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Stimpson, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Godde
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 - Pine Street Sewer project is complete; Express Sewer & Drain- Sewer CIPP lining project from the Ace Hardware find back in 2017 was completed on time, July 30, 2024- reporting is due end of August, will be sent to City Manager Simpson to sign off tomorrow; Fuel tank closure on Main Street in front of the Krabbenhoft building completed last week, met County needs/dirt samples, may not need any further work for the State Water Board in the future; Sutter Street Drainage: not complete but will open one lane for AM/PM school traffic, should complete by end of month, solid rock has slowed the project/multiple change orders, potentially another month before the parking lot/everything is complete, engineers are taking on cost of change orders/not the City; Signs from Merzlak were installed at Busi lot, highway/49'er parking lot- one remaining at Kennedy Wheels Park.
Vice Mayor Simmons brought up Jim Laughton's concern for "Busi" name on the parking lot/retrofitting. VM Simmons and CM Stimpson suggested adding a small sign on top with the "Busi" name being added to give recognition for them gifting the land. Wilder agreed it can be added. Mayor McLean requested the sign at the Civic Center parking lot be updated to match the others as well.
Police Chief, Chris Mynderup - Officer Graciela Razo's last day was August 6", 2024- she will stay on as a reserve officer for Jackson, 5 applicants pending for oral examinations; Officers Morrison and Hopper both applied for Detective position and as part of their evaluation will complete public presentations to Rollingwood Community at their next monthly meeting; School starting 8/14/24, Community Service Officer volunteer will be working the Sutter Street crosswalk /safety concerns with construction.
August 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
City Attorney, Josh Nelson - Update on Supreme Court Grants Pass, Oregon case: previous ban on prohibiting camping without adequate shelter beds is no longer applicable- agencies can now ban camping again- the impacts and effects on city responses is still under review and further updates will be provided.
City Manager, Carl P. Simpson - No 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 - Economic Development Committee has a couple ideas to enhance the HJBA Christmas Delights event, including a Christmas tree decorating contest at Petkovich Park where trees will be donated to families in need after the contest, EDC desires downtown Main Street to be lit up more; EDC working on a walking tour which includes all the City plaques, which can be downloaded via QR code to a smartphone; discussions have begun about potentially purchasing a vacant lot downtown and contact to be made with the owner of the lot soon; and some other interesting concepts a business developer has brought forward may be coming up soon.
Councilmember Godde - Absent.
Councilmember Stimpson - Working with Air District a lot lately and a LAFCO meeting coming up Thursday.
Vice Mayor Simmons - No report.
Mayor McLean - Numerous County Transportation meetings- been dealing with Sacramento County over a bill that was passed giving Highway 16 between Grant Line Road and Watt Avenue to the County and take it out of the Highway system, lots of pending development in that area (1000+ more homes planned with another 10-15 stoplights), the road expected to be extended another 14 feet reserved for future extra lanes which affect Amador County residents travelling into town for doctors/other appointments.
VM Simmons inquired about the community of "Jackson" they proposed for that area. CM Gonsalves advised a letter of opposition was submitted when it was first proposed.
Mayor McLean attended numerous Main Street Archway meetings; the archway fundraiser dinner has been moved back to Spring to get more input from the community; attended the end of the Christmas Delights meeting and attended the joint Chamber meeting between Calaveras/Amador Counties.
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 deliberations and citizen discussion.
August 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
a. Receive a verbal report from Amador County Assessor Jim Rooney on real property assessments for the City of Jackson.
Amador County Assessor Jim Rooney and Assistant Assessor Jeff Himmelmann presented a PowerPoint presentation on real property assessments in Jackson. The presentation and handouts are available on the city website with Council Agendas. *Mayor McLean advised he and Jim Rooney will be MCing the Top Cop Fundraiser event on August 24, 2024 and there are still a few openings for additional interested officers to compete.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion and received no comments.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none. b. Public Hearing -
Mayor McLean opened the public hearing.
• Resolution No. 2024-17 Approving and Confirming the Report of Delinquent Utilities Charges and Requesting Amador County to Collect such Charges on the Tax Roll Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion and received no comments.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to approve Resolution No. 2024-17 Approving and Confirming the Report of Delinquent Utilities Charges and Requesting Amador County to Collect such Charges on the Tax Roll on August 12, 2024, as presented. Moved by Councilmember Stimpson, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Godde
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor McLean closed the public hearing.
Mayor McLean opened the public hearing.
• Resolution No. 2024-22 Approving and Confirming the Report of Delinquent Abatement Fees and Requesting Amador County to Collect such Charges on the Tax Roll Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion and received no comments.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to approve Resolution No. 2024-22 Approving and Confirming the Report of Delinquent Abatement Fees and Requesting Amador County to Collect such Charges on the August 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
Tax Roll on August 12, 2024, as presented. Moved by Councilmember Gonsaives, seconded by Councilmember Stimpson, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Godde
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor McLean closed the public hearing.
c. Receive, discuss and provide direction regarding (verbal) report from the Homeless Outreach Coordinator regarding the City's response to homeless issues [Homeless Outreach Coordinator, Christine Platt].
Christine Platt advised the shower program is still going well and expressed gratitude to PW Supt Wilder for his assistance and picking up some collected trash at the program. The summer is a busier time of year for the showers. There is a lot of unknown regarding the Grants Pass Supreme Court decision. Fortunately, Jackson does not really have camping in our public parks.
Mayor McLean inquired if people camp at the Kennedy Tailing Wheels Park. Platt advised there are people using that area in the daytime in their vehicles but JPD patrols the area well and there is no overnight camping. The gates and bathrooms are locked at night and JPD keeps people moving along from the public spaces.
CM Stimpson asked PW Supt Wilder if he has heard from Cindy regarding getting additional water at the dog park. Wilder advised he has not heard from her recently but she has emailed about adding some dog agility items she bought to the park, btu he did not hear back from her.
There is dog water at the park though no swimming holes/anything. d. Receive information and provide direction on engaging a consultant to review the proposed transfer of Aces Waste Services, Inc.'s solid waste franchise.
City Manager Carl Simpson advised our current agreement with Aces has a provision providing an opportunity to have a third-party consultant (paid for by Aces) evaluate and ensure the service delivery will remain consistent under Republic Services. The Molinelli family has provided excellent service to the City of Jackson over the years.
CM Gonsalves stated the Molinelli's are very thorough with the legal agreements and does not see a need for them to incur this extra expense.
Paul Molinelli, Jr. (Aces Waste Services) - Stated his preference for Council not to engage a consultant to review the proposed transfer of Aces Waste Services, Inc.'s solid waste franchise as they do not wish to incur the additional expense and advised that he is remaining on staff under Republic Services, overseeing that Jackson does not have any decrease in level of service. City staff, manager and attorney are capable of reviewing the agreement and Republic would likely be willing to participate in a meeting to discuss any questions. Paul advised Republic Services will hold up the contract with the existing services.
August 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
VM Simmons stated he is okay with taking Paul Molinelli's word for the services remaining consistent without a consultant reviewing.
City Attorney Josh Nelson advised that he recommended City Manager Carl Simpson to engage a consultant. While the Molinelli family has been great to the City, Republic Services is large corporate multi-state/multi-national solid waste company and there is some value to having a consultant. There are companies who assist public agencies with reviewing these types of transactions that look through operational and financial issues to make sure there will not be a change. There has also been a fair amount of change recently in the regulatory structure surrounding solid waste, such as Senate Bill 1383. While Jackson is currently exempt from the mandatory food waste collection services, that exemption is time limited and the state may or may not continue to renew that exemption. Other agencies transitioning under SB 1383 pay higher solid waste rates because it costs more to process materials under those rules. City Manager Simpson is authorizing the contract to move forward and felt it appropriate to seek Council input on requiring a consultant.
This will be Council's discretion.
CM Gonsalves stated the SB 1383 requirements would have to be met regardless of who owns the business. Paul Molinelli Jr. advised Republic Services cannot simply double prices as there is a process in the contract that they will have to follow the same as Aces would. He assures they will provide continued good service.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to move forward with the transfer of Aces Waste Services, Inc. 's solid waste franchise to Republic Services waving the City's right to hire a consultant to review the transfer, Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Stimpson, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Godde
ABSTAIN: None
e. Engineer's report and discussion on the Mattley Hillside Repair project [Matt Ospital, WGA, Inc./Contract City Engineer].
Contract Engineer Matt Ospital (WGA, Inc.) presented ideas for the Mattley Hillside Repair Project as recommended by a larger design building firm for a permanent solution and they recommend a soil nail wall (see more details in the CC packet MEMO). This idea may fit the gold rush feel, though it is a little more expensive. There should be enough money in the SB1 fund by spring to cover this project and hire a firm such as the one he contacted to get it done all at once.
Mayor McLean inquired if the repair is only along the slide area. Ospital confirmed and recommended they separately also put an AC berm style dyke up above this section to keep the drainage from running over the hillside. CM Stimpson inquired about whether core samples were taken and Ospital advised they have not and more investigation could be done. Mayor McLean requested to see some of the additional suggestions for the remainder of the hillside as August 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
well in case they can come up with the money to compiete the whole hillside. PW Supt Wilder advised they are still waiting a few more months for additional SB1 money just to complete the structural section, which puts the project into Spring 2025. VM Simmons added that is a lot of money for such a small section.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments.
Jim Laughton (Jackson resident) - Agreed it was expensive for a small section and stated this hillside is a focal point as you come into town. It looks great at the bottom but he would like to see more options to complete the whole hillside. VM Simmons added it could be roughed in with the Gunite look initially and revisited later in multiple phases for aesthetics.
Mr. Laughton provided additional comments unrelated to this item on the Kennedy Tailing Wheels Park- expressed gratitude to JPD Chief and officers for moving people out of the parks.
However, the amount of cars at Kennedy Tailing Wheels park is a deterrent to tourists Council direction to staff is to bring the item back for discussion once additional options are researched along with pricing to possibly address the entire hillside in addition to the structural repaired area.
f. Engineer's recommendation and discussion for the intersection of Schober & Perry - proposed striping [Matt Ospital, WGA, Inc./Contract City Engineer].
Contract Engineer Matt Ospital (WGA, Inc.) recommended keeping the traffic going uphill on Schober free flowing and install stop controls at the two side streets. PW Supt Wilder advised his team is currently repainting lines and can get right on it.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments.
Anthony Stark (Jackson resident) - Agreed with engineer's recommendation and inquired on a timeline.
PW Supt Wilder advised he would like to address the painting and stop sign installation within the next week or two as his crew is currently in process of repainting lines around town.
City Attorney Nelson advised Council can request a motion via Resolution to add this intersection to the list of stop intersections under Jackson Municipal Code section 10.4.04.
Motion requesting a Resolution to add this intersection to the list of stop intersections designated in Jackson Municipal Code section 10.04.010 pursuant to section 10.4.040, Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Stimpson, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Godde
ABSTAIN: None
August 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
g. First Reading of Ordinance No. 730 amending City of Jackson Municipal Code Section
8.16.010 of Chapter 8.16 of Title 8 to Establish a Maximum Weed Height Outside of Fire Season. [Possible action- waive I'' reading and direct to proceed with 2nd reading] City Manager Carl Simpson advised it is best practice related to establish a nuisance weeds height to mitigate blight, which also has an impact on property values. It also provides city staff the ability to get a jump on fire season earlier in the year.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
CM Gonsalves inquired about how this ordinance ties back to the weed abatement municipal code 8.12.
Deputy City Clerk Carleen Kirkpatrick informed Council that once fire season begins; code will use the weed abatement ordinance 8.12. This change allows code to begin enforcing high weeds under 8.16 nuisance code and transition back to 8.12 if the property remains in violation once fire season begins. Otherwise, the defined nuisance weed height of 12" allows code to enforce blight in neighborhoods outside of fire season.
CM Gonsalves inquired if the City can recoup costs for abating properties through the County tax roll if the City covers the cost. Kirkpatrick advised an abatement would not necessarily abate a property for high weeds under 8.16 nuisance code until it transitions to 8.12 during fire season, and only after every other effort to contact property owners to complete the work on their own has been exhausted. Then if the City does end up completing an abatement and the property owner does not pay, it would get added to the tax roll the following year.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 730 amending City of Jackson Municipal Code Section 8.16.010 of Chapter 8.16 of Title 8 to Establish a Maximum Weed Height Outside of Fire Season (Ordinance No. 730), dated August 12, 2024 as presented.
Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Stimpson, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Godde
ABSTAIN: None
h. Consideration of bids and possible award of service contract for the Scout Hut A/C Project.
Contract Engineer Matt Ospital/WGA presented the two bid submissions received today from Mann's Heating & Air Con and JAW Heating & Air, Inc.
August 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
Contractor Bid Amount
Mann's Heating & Air Con $18,600.00
JAW Heating & Air, Inc. $36,883.50
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
VM Simmons inquired when the awarded contractor can begin work on the project.
PW Supt Wilder said that both contractors advised they would need a couple of days to order the equipment and three to four days for installation. Once awarded, the project could be complete by mid to late next week.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to award the service contract for the Scout Hut A/C Project to Mann's Heating & Air Cond at the bid amount of $18,600.00 through adoption of Resolution No. 2024-26, dated August 12, 2024 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Stimpson, seconded by Vice Mayor Simmons and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Godde
ABSTAIN: None
i. Consideration and possible adoption of Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Budget by reference:
• Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-19 Setting a Tax Related Appropriation Limit in Compliance with Article XIIIB of the Constitution of the State of California for Fiscal Year 2024-25
• Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-20 Approving the City Operation Budget and City Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 • Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-21 Authorizing Full-Time Positions in the City Service Effective July 1, 2024, in Accordance with the Operating Budget for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year
(Budget message includes Council Strategic Goals & Objectives, FY 23/24 In Review/Team Accomplishments; FY 24/25 Budget Sheets: summary, CIP details, expenditures by fund).
Councilmember Stimpson stated he and Vice Mayor Simmons are on the Finance Committee and have already reviewed these items.
City Manager Carl Simpson provided a brief summary of the budget. Overall, the City is in pretty good shape and very much status quo compared to last year with moderate gains in property tax, sales tax seems to be on par, and nothing significant as far as increases go. Challenges include increases in liability insurance, inflation, labor costs, etc. Building remains flat with permits relatively flat, water August 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
and sewer seem to be doing fairly well with some needs related to the wastewater treatment plant, a couple new roofs needed, and an AC installation. Measure M is holding steady, which funds our fire personnel. The pool does not receive much cost recovery for operational costs, but there are some ideas for fundraising to try to bridge that gap, such as the July 4 "Floating Under the Stars" event. Team Jackson has done a great job leveraging the grants, with several spent down to either completion or they are very low at this point, and staff remains committed to seeking additional grants to augment the operation of the City as we move forward. Looking at the City's list of accomplishments this year, there was a lot that was done, and he expressed happiness to be part of this dedicated team.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion and received none.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments.
Debby Collins (Jackson resident, Cemetery Committee Chairperson)- Stated $5k was approved for the Cemetery Committee, they have received half and requested the remaining $2500 be provided to fund their projects.
VM Simmons advised those funds are expected to be released to the Amador Community Foundation.
Collins advised they take a percentage and she would prefer the funds be released directly to the committee but does not want to speak for the Planning Commissioner.
City Manager Simpson advised they will work out the details of the most effective way to transfer the City Manager Simpson offered a special thanks to Finance Manager Dalacie Blankenship for her work on the budget this year. She did an outstanding job supporting him as a new City Manager here.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to adopt Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Budget through adoption of Resolution No.'s 2024-19, 2024-20, and 2024-21 on August 12, 2024 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Stimpson, seconded by Vice Mayor Simmons, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves, Stimpson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Godde
ABSTAIN: None
8. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. to 6:30p.m. on August 26, 2024.
ATTEST:
tho 8/26/24
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John Georgette, City Clerk Date Approved