CITY OF
CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
JACKSON Monday, January 13, 2025
IFORNIA
Mayor and Council Members John Georgette, City Clerk
Steve McLean, Mayor Josh Nelson, City Attorney (remote) Chad Simmons, Vice Mayor
Max Godde, Council Member
Sierra McLean, Council Member
ABSENT:
Connie Gonsalves, Council Member
Carleen Kirkpatrick, Deputy City Clerk
Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator
Mayor McLean called the meeting to order at 6:29 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG.
Mayor McLean led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor McLean moved item 6A from the Discussion Calendar to the beginning of the meeting. ба. Discussion Calendar: Presentation of Jackson's First Annual Residential Christmas Lights Competition, "The Great Christmas Lights Show", winners [Economic Development Committee].
Economic Development Committee (EDC) member Erika Simmons thanked attendees and supporters as 2024 came to a close, extending wishes for a Happy New Year and expressing gratitude for the community's support of the EDC's first annual Christmas events. The Festival of Trees, held during the Christmas Delights weekend on Main Street, was an overwhelming success, thanks to partnerships with the Historic Jackson Business Association and Amador County Chamber of Commerce, and the committee encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for the 2025 event. Similarly, the Great Christmas Light Show, Jackson's residential Christmas lights competition, far exceeded expectations, with appreciation extended to participants, spectators, and the entire community for their enthusiasm.
The committee announced plans for an even bigger and brighter competition in 2025, encouraging early preparation for displays. Looking ahead, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to developing new projects to strengthen Jackson's economy and foster community pride and unity while promoting the city as a vibrant hometown. Gratitude was expressed to the community for their ongoing support and involvement in these initiatives.
Winners of The Great Christmas Lights Show were presented with award certificates and checks for prize money, donated by private sponsors.
gth Place: 598 Scottsville Blvd $200 ~ The Mottishaw Family 4th Place: 115 Hillside Place $400 ~ The Brown Family
3rd Place: 10365 Spunn Rd $600 ~ The Oneto Family
2nd Place: 10 Smalley Ave $800 ~ The Phillips Family
January 13, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
1st Place: 102 Frontier Dr $1000 ~ The Cruz Family
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Motion to approve the City Council Agenda dated January 13, 2025 as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, McLean
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.
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 the December 9, 2024 Meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report $176,943.78 (12/20/24), $253,678.26 (12/31/24) and $92,788.43 (1/10/25).
c. Approval of Payroll Expenditure report for December 2024. d. Receive Treasurer's Report for November 2024.
e. Receive Fire Department monthly report for December 2024. f. Receive Police Department monthly report for December 2024. g. Receive Building Department monthly report for December 2024.
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar dated January 13, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Vice Mayor Simmons, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, McLean
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonsalves
ABSTAIN: None
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 - Welcomed new Councilmember Sierra McLean. Sewer Projects on Elizabeth Street and Gordon Place have both been completed by Express Sewer & Drain.
January 13, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Everything progressed well, with a slight adjustment to the Gordon project's linear footage, which has been successfully addressed. The sewer CCTV 5-year project went out to bid today, following up on the plan last completed approximately 3 to 4 years ago. The Mattley hill slide project received three bids, which are currently under review, with results expected at the next meeting. The Sutter Street drainage project is complete, pending a few final tasks related to easements and a light pole near the library parking lot. The pool was prepared and heated over the weekend, allowing the high school swim team to start using it this afternoon. The high school sewer issue has been resolved, with all necessary reporting completed and communication maintained with the state. The work included cleaning out the sewer lift station, which is now functioning properly.
Vice Mayor Simmons inquired about the Busi parking lot sign. Wilder advised he will follow up with Kam Merzlak to arrange replacement and move the current sign to the City Hall parking garage.
Work on the Main Street plates also begins on Wednesday 1/15/25 at approximately 9AM, cutting and excavating the area to remove sand, assess its depth, and compact it before moving forward. Vice Mayor Simmons inquired about the plan for repair. Wilder advised after exploration; a temporary cold patch will be applied until hot mix paving can be completed later with two other pending projects. The work will be handled in-house with the goal of opening one lane for traffic while using parking stalls for temporary traffic flow. The sewer line and private lateral in the area are in excellent condition, and a storm drain was identified further south. Councilmember Godde inquired about what was found under the plates on Main St. Wilder advised that timbers, potentially from an old cistern, may be removed and preserved if full length, with the historic society informed for mapping purposes. The crew aims to manage the project efficiently despite short staffing due to illness, with updates shared with local business owners and the radio station. Weather conditions are favorable, ensuring smooth progress as work begins. Mayor McLean stated he may stop by when work begins on Wednesday.
Fire Chief, Ryan Pidgeon - The department deployed a water tender to the Eaton Fire in Altadena, staffed by Engineer Daniel Fishback and Firefighter Kyle Judd, who are expected to remain there for at least two weeks, possibly longer. They are operating in a remote area of the Altadena Hills, providing critical water shuttling services to helicopters actively fighting the fire, navigating challenging dirt roads in the process. Plans are in place to rotate the crew if the deployment extends beyond two weeks. Mayor McLean requested the crews be recognized at an upcoming meeting upon their return. Chief Pidgeon advised that the department intends to recognize the deployed crew, as well as those covering overtime shifts locally, emphasizing the importance of their efforts and the support of their families. In other updates, the department responded to 191 calls last month and a total of 2,231 calls last year, marking a
14.5% increase from the previous year. Efforts are underway to analyze the rising call volume.
Police Chief, Chris Mynderup - The New Year was relatively quiet, with a couple of DUI arrests, with a significant traffic stop made by Officer Thurman at 3:30 a.m. on January 1. He stopped a speeding silver Mercedes and arrested the passenger, 34-year-old Jared Bindy out of Stockton, for providing a false name and having two felony warrants from San Joaquin County. The driver, 46-year-old Brent Blazer, also out of Stockton, was detained after Officer Thurman developed probable cause. After a search of the vehicle uncovered a pound of methamphetamine, nearly an ounce of cocaine, over $4,000 in cash, and a loaded handgun. The drugs had an estimated street value of $10,000-$18,000. Blazer, a prior convicted felon, was arrested on multiple felony charges, including possession and transportation of controlled substances for sale, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle. Officer Thurman's vigilance in making the arrest and removing drugs and firearms from the streets was praised.
Additionally, a cleanup of homeless camps on Tayak Lane and the Oro De Amador property is scheduled for Friday, January 24, with dumpsters donated by Aces Waste Services (now Republic) and January 13, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
operational plans led by Sergeant Del Rio. Caltrans and CHP will address transients under the Highway 49 bridge, issuing 48-hour notices to vacate before conducting a cleanup.
Lastly, in response to the recent letters to the editor regarding dog bites, a town hall meeting on animal control services will be held on Thursday, January 16, in the Civic Center from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., featuring discussions on city, county, and state laws and policies, with the county animal control director present for a Q&A session.
Vice Mayor Simmons inquired about whether piled debris near Grocery Outlet will be addressed. Chief Mynderup confirmed cleanup efforts will also address that area.
City Attorney, Josh Nelson - No report.
City Manager, Carl P. Simpson - No report.
5. COUNCIL REPORTS.
This scetion 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 a Cemetery Committee meeting, Kennedy Mine Foundation meeting, and volunteered at the Amador Senior Center, which is in great need of additional volunteers if anyone is interested.
Councilmember McLean - Participated in the judging for the residential Christmas Lights competition, and she greatly enjoyed seeing all the lights around town. She is looking forward to more events in years lo come.
Vice Mayor Simmons - No report.
Mayor McLean - Attended his last ACT meeting last week, attended a meeting regarding LAFCO at the Amador County building, and a Chamber of Commerce mixer.
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.
b. Receive, discuss, and provide direction on verbal report of City's ongoing response to homeless issues [Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator].
Two unhoused individuals recently transitioned from a shelter to permanent housing, which is an exciting milestone. Efforts are ongoing to ensure everyone in the encampments mentioned by Chief Mynderup have been reached and connected to applicable services. An application for the HAPP-5 funding, (amounting to approximately $478,000 available), is underway and expected to be submitted by the end of the week to support various programs, including outreach, showers, and January 13, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
statling. Plans are also in motion to replace Brittany, who has transitioned to a new role at Master Care, a grant-funded program assisting people with healthcare and housing needs. Collaborative efforts with Brittany and shared clients continue, but finding her replacement is now a priority.
Mayor McLean inquired if she is seeing an increase/decrease in the homeless population. Platt stated the current season is a slow period for outreach, as colder weather often prompts families and friends to offer more support, reducing visibility of individuals living in cars or needing services.
However, summer typically provides a more accurate reflection of the need, as more people utilize resources like showers during warmer months.
c. Review of 2025 City Council Committee Assignments.
Mayor McLean made one amendment to the Committee assignment, moving Chad Simmons onto the LAFCO assignment and Sierra McLean to the Solid Waste Management committee.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion. Councilmembers agreed to the change.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to approve the Committee Assignments with the proposed change listed above dated January 13, 2025 as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, McLean
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonsalves
ABSTAIN: None
d. Discussion regarding road conditions on French Bar Road, West of Highway 49 [Paul Omaleki, property owner on French Bar Rd].
Paul Omaleki advised staff he would not be able to attend the meeting.
Mayor McLean asked for public comment.
John Plasse (Resident, French Bar Rd.) - John advised he is a longtime county resident and expressed frustration over the deteriorating condition of French Bar Road, citing safety concerns due to overgrown trees, blind spots, and poor maintenance. Despite repeated requests for improvements like paving and ditch work, he stated that responses have pointed to a lack of funding or shifting responsibility to others. Plasse questioned why regional traffic mitigation fees were waived for a new event center on the road, suggesting such exemptions are unfair. He advocated for using recreation funds to improve road safety for pedestrians and cyclists and emphasized the need for French Bar Road to be prioritized in local transportation plans. He also highlighted efforts on the Amador County Transportation Commission (ACTC) to redirect funding from underutilized transit services and state highway projects toward local road improvements, urging collaboration between the city and county to address these issues systematically. The speaker called for a phased approach to repairing the road, suggesting incremental improvements over a few years to complete the project efficiently.
January 13, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Virginia Manor (Jackson resident) - As a longtime walker, she described how French Bar Road has become increasingly hazardous over the past two years, with large potholes and deep ruts making it unsafe for recreational use, especially for seniors and children on bicycles. Once a safe and popular spot for walking, even for individuals recovering from health issues, the road's deterioration now forces walkers to focus on every step to avoid injury. She emphasized that the road's condition has worsened significantly, especially after recent winters, and lamented the loss of its recreational and health benefits for the community.
Amador County Resident/French Bar Rd - A longtime resident of 21 years, expressed frustration over the road's worsening condition, noting that their gravel driveway is in better shape and easier to drive on than French Bar Road itself. She shared how attempts to fill potholes are ineffective, as she believes the material is not properly compacted and ends up damaging vehicles. She stated that her friends avoid visiting due to the road's impact on their cars, and breakable items often risk damage during the drive. She emphasized the urgent need for improvements, hoping something will be done to address the road's deteriorating state.
Councilmember Godde agreed the road is very bumpy and he does not recall French Bar Road being paved anytime over the past 30 years, while noting there is also not much traffic on this road in relation to other more well-traveled roads in town. He expressed interest in considering a 10-foot- wide bike lane using transportation funds.
Mayor McLean stated he wants to follow up on RTMF funds for the building being worked on out there.
Vice Mayor Simmons advised we should at least address any problem trees on French Bar Road for now. He inquired if the ditches are plugged. PW Supt Wilder advised the ditches are not plugged and the PW crew has been out there to clean out the ditches and trim trees, though the further section past the beg bend near the end of city limits has not been addressed due to difficulties with the backhoe and potential to negatively impact the road. That part of the road may need to be contracted out to complete, or partner with the county to use their grader. e. Second discussion regarding regular meeting times and/or frequency of the City Council.
Item tabled for when Councilmember Gonsalves is present. City Attorney will prepare a draft ordinance with the 6:30PM meeting start time to be presented at the next meeting, which will be available for edits or changes upon Council decision at that meeting. f. Discussion and possible approval of License Agreement with Restore Amador, LLC.
Mayor McLean advised that Restore Amador is working on complying with ADA requirements at the old courthouse and the City is trying to help them within our limits so they can get Baker Street West up and running along with any other public programs or events planned for that space.
City Manager Carl Simpson advised the Macklins were unavailable to attend the meeting tonight due to illness but Patrick Macklin asked him to communicate to Council that they approve of the final agreement presented tonight. This agreement includes the ability to incorporate CASP service specialist to address ADA challenges.
Councilmember McLean inquired when the five-year agreement goes into effect and if the City has a proposed plan for use of the building this year. City Manager Simpson advised the 5-year agreement January 13, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
goes into effect upon signing and likely would be used for a community meeting when the need arises, similar to the way Jackson Realty's Beautification Committee used the space for their Archway presentation. Sierra McLean suggested using the building for fundraising activities, such as for the Fire Department. Simpson confirmed it could be used for this purpose, as well as any activity where we would want to serve alcohol and we do not prefer serving alcohol with uses at City Hall.
The Sherlock Holmes production is also looking forward to getting the occupancy permit to move forward with their film after being displaced from another location in town last year.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to approve the License Agreement with Restore Amador, LLC dated January 13, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Councilmember McLean, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: McLean, Simmons, Godde, McLean
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonsalves
ABSTAIN: None
g. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 7:24 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on January 27, 2025. h. CLOSED SESSION.
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Pursuant to Government Code § 54954.5 (f))
Agency designated representatives: Carl Simpson, Josh Nelson Employee organizations (under discussion): JPFA, JPOA, SEIU i. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
ATTEST:
kohn Kaore 2/10/25
John Georgette, City Clerk Date Approved