CITY OF
CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
JACKSON November 12, 2024
ALIFORNIA
Mayor and Council Members John Georgette, City Clerk
Steve McLean, Mayor
Chad Simmons, Vice Mayor Staff Members:
Max Godde, Council Member Joanna Gin, City Attorney Representative (remote) Connie Gonsalves, Council Member Carl P. Simpson, City Manager VACANT Chris Mynderup, Police Chief
Bree Wilder, Public Works Superintendent
ABSENT: None Ryan Pidgeon, Fire Chief
Carleen Kirkpatrick, Deputy City Clerk
Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator
Mayor McLean called the meeting to order at 6:27 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 November 12, 2024 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 4 to 0 AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves
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.
None.
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. a. Approval of October 28, 2024 meeting minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $200,146.72.
November 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
c. Approval of October 2024 Payroll Expenditure Report in amount of $411,912.51. d. Receive Building Department Monthly Report for October 2024. e. Receive Fire Department Monthly Report for October 2024. f. Receive Police Department Monthly Report for October 2024. 8• Resolution No. 2024-39 Authorization of CalRecycle Grant Application. h. AMENDED Resolution No. 2024-33 Establishing a Christmas Lights Decoration Contest and Providing for the Rules and Procedures Thereof.
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar dated November 12, 2024 as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Gonsalves abstained from Item 3a only
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 - Elizabeth Street Sewer project beginning Friday, 11/15/24.
Mattley Hillside Repair project RFP posted. Began decorations in Jackson for Christmas today. New employee Kyle Millar started last week- doing great. Sutter Street Extension finishing up a punch list- nearly complete.
Vice Mayor Simmons inquired about the plates downtown. Wilder advised he is mecting with WGA, they are talking with the Historic Foundation about lumber found there to coordinate if it needs to be saved and logistics- likely an old cistern.
Wilder will be out on leave beginning 11/27 for a few weeks.
Fire Chief, Ryan Pidgeon - Increased calls this month- 176, about 8 more than average. On track to hit 2,000 calls for service for 2024, highest ever. Moving forward with one of the three volunteer applicants. May be starting an EMT program at Argonaut HS. A grant opportunity opened today and Fire will be trying to obtain an exhaust system for both stations, increasing health and safety for fire staff.
Vice Mayor Simmons inquired about burning in Jackson. Pidgeon advised Jackson is following CalFire and burning is now allowed in Jackson city limits.
Police Chief, Chris Mynderup - Effective November 1, 2024, Michele Hopper has been promoted to Detective. Took third place in the People's Choice Award at the Second Annual Burger Battle at Harris Casino on November 2'd- proceeds all go to ARC of Amador and Calaveras. Veteran's Day Parade- success, no issues, minimal rain.
City Attorney Representative, Joanna Gin (remote) - No report.
City Manager, Carl P. Simpson - Met with a vendor last week with Chief Pidgeon about refurbishing both fire trucks for the price of what one truck would cost. The company is out of Nevada, just over the November 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
state line, so they may do a site visit to the factory to view their operation. Chief Pidgeon brought forward this idea which may be a great opportunity for fire fleet.
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 the Veteran's Day Parade on 11/11.
Councilmember Godde - Reinforced the old Broadway Bridge at the Kennedy Mine Foundation by the amphitheater off Jackson Gate Road in preparation to bring larger equipment across to refurbish Wheel No. 1. He served lunch at the Amador Senior Center. Attended the Veteran's Day Parade. Cemetery Clean Up is this Saturday 11/16/24 10AM-12PM and volunteers are welcome.
Vice Mayor Simmons - No report.
Mayor McLean - Attended the Amador County Transportation Commission 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].
Christine advised two clients over sixty years of age were connected with Adult Protective Services for resources. Working with Valley Mountain Regional Center for another client to get into permanent housing. Mormon Church donated approximately ten totes worth of clothing items for unsheltered. HAP-5 funds application is in December through HUD, which funds her position along with HIP. It covers approximately $500k for agencies Countywide. Victory Village received some of those funds last year as well.
Vice Mayor Simmons inquired about advising the unsheltered about the ordinance being adopted this evening. Christine advised she has talked to some of them about it but has not handed out any flyers or handouts about it. She values that the changes can provide some more power to law enforcement, and we should also be mindful that these are people at the same time.
Chief Mynderup acknowledged the ordinance and reminded Council there are only 6 officers in Jackson. Disrupting camps has the potential to force them into public more, which could increase call volume which decreases their availability to other respond to other issues. The homeless issue must be approached logically with a plan in place which Council can be part of creating.
Christine advised in the past 3.5 years calls for service for homeless have decreased as a result of her interactions and relationship development. She does not want to see the progress she has made undone by breaking the trust she's worked hard to build. Working as a community to November 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
produce a real solution to resolve homeless issues (including the County), such as sanctioned camping places as other cities have done with a goal of needing less law enforcement involvement, which is expensive.
Councilmember Godde inquired if PD receives less calls since she has started with the City.
Christine advised Chris would need to pull those numbers. She believes the severity of responses are less chaotic. Godde thanked her for helping unhoused individuals who are receptive to her help. Christine reminded everyone that it sometimes takes multiple attempts and efforts to get someone clean or to accept help.
Mayor McLean advised he is not worried about unhoused who are not receptive to help. b. Update on Agreement with Restore Amador, L.L.C.
Patrick and Jaime Macklin advised there has been some disagreement over the terms of the agreement for this grant. They have no issue with a repayment clause to protect the City's interest, but are concerned with some of the other terms.
Councilmember Gonsalves inquired of City Manager Simpson about the changed details in the agreement. Simpson advised their was some added language in the draft agreement from the City attorney's office that were not supposed to be included in the agreement, such as use of the facility by the City for a certain number of days "in perpetuity". The Macklin's requested to discuss the issue with Council again before moving forward with an agreement. Simpson advised the Macklin's are requesting the agreement to have less strings attached but keep the repayment clause to protect City interests.
Councilmember Gonsalves inquired about TOT grant restrictions, if any. City Manager Simpson advised this is a significant Capital Improvement Project on private property, but the City does have a record of issuing TOT funds to enhance private property in the past. Mayor McLean advised the agreement should benefit the City to some degree. Gonsalves noted use of the parking lot and City use of the facilities should cover benefit to the City.
City Attorney Representative Joanna Gin confirmed the grant of TOT funds is not an issue so long as there is a public purpose, which can be quite broad, such as economic development and use of the venue for public purposes. Best practices include having terms and conditions of the grant memorialized in a contract, in case the terms are violated Jaime Macklin inquired whether the original proposal outlining those terms covers that requirement.
Gin responded and advised a proposal is not binding and should be evaluated as to whether it is consistent with the grant requirements. Nothing is binding until a contract is signed, and the City Attorney's office recommends a contract for this amount.
Vice Mayor Simmons advised he was the only dissenting vote to the approval of this request, and his only concerns included repayment if sold within 5 years and City use of the parking lot. He is not concerned about securing days of use.
Mayor McLean directed staff to continue to work out the details of the contract with the City Attorney and return to Council for review at a future meeting. c. Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 731 Amending City of Jackson Municipal Code Sections 8.28.020 and 8.28.030 of Chapter 8.28 of Title 8 of the Jackson Municipal Code Related to Encampments within the City Limits.
City Manager Simpson emphasized the importance of producing plan with the Police Chief on how to incorporate this ordinance, and conversations should continue with the Sheriff's office to coordinate efforts.
November 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
Vice Mayor Simmons inquired if we will be connecting with Sutter Creek and lone. Simpson advised those cities respond that they do not have issues with unsheltered in their communities, but we can reach out to them about the impacts of this ordinance.
Mayor McLean advised flyers should be handed out to the unsheltered to inform them of the ordinance.
Simpson advised he has encouraged Ms. Platt and Chief Mynderup to connect with other cities for best practices for implementing the new law changes.
Councilmember Gonsalves inquired about private property mentioned in the ordinance and notifications should be sent to businesses and plaza owners.
City Attorney Representative Joanna Gin clarified the ordinance changes involved here pertain only to public camping, as well as calling out specific public places where public camping is prohibited. The City already has a code related to camping on private property, which are not being changed tonight.
Vice Mayor Simmons inquired if there could be any potential litigation in light of these changes to the code. Gin advised law enforcement still has the discretion on how to utilize resources.
City Manager Carl Simpson advised staff can prepare flyers and do some outreach to notify plaza owners and business owners as requested by Council.
Chief Mynderup pointed out there is a difference between camping and sitting in a park, and the law has to be applied equally, respecting everyone's rights. For example, Fresno's new ordinance is dicey. If business owner's want unhoused individuals to be addressed for trespassing on private property, police can respond to those complaints. PD makes many contacts with the homeless on a regular basis.
Councilmember Godde expressed trust in staff judgement on how to properly implement the changes to the ordinance.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none. Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 731 Amending City of Jackson Municipal Code Sections
8.28.020 and 8.28.030 of Chapter 8.28 of Title 8 of the Jackson Municipal Code Related to Encampments within the City Limits dated November 12, 2024 as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
d. Discussion regarding City Council regular meeting times.
Mayor McLean advised during a discussion with the Mayor of Calistoga he learned they only meet once every three weeks, which saves the city time and resources preparing for Council meetings.
This is something that may be worth considering for Jackson to be more efficient.
Councilmember Gonsalves stated every three weeks appears complicated and confusing for the public. She stated she is not opposed to monthly meeting and special meetings can be scheduled in between if needed with 24-hour notice, but this may not provide the public with as much notice to stay involved. Vice Mayor Simmons agreed. Gonsalves stated this could create a scheduling issue with overlapping meeting nights with other surrounding cities.
Councilmember Godde advised it is worthwhile considering staff concerns about efficiency anytime those ideas are proposed. If we reduce meetings, a press release may be needed or weekly updates to the public in between meetings to keep everyone informed.
November 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
Vice Mayor Simmons expressed concerns with Councilmembers not showing up to meetings and prefers there be no change.
City Manager Simpson advised paying bills was a concern and inquired about his authority to approve between meetings if they are reduced
City Attorney Representative Joanna Gin advised ordinance readings could be affected, as they require a first and second reading. Therefore, an ordinance change could end up taking up to 90 days if Council only meets monthly. The City Manager is able to approve payments between meetings.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments.
Marilyn Lewis stated this item is not on the agenda. Mayor McLean and Vice Mayor Simmons advised it is listed under the discussion agenda.
Debby Collins expressed a preference for two meetings a month.
Council agreed to keep two meetings a month at the current frequency and to revisit the meeting time after the fifth councilmember is appointed.
7. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 7:28 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on November 25, 2024.
ATTEST:
Ден 11/26/24
John Georgette, City Clerk Date Approved