CITY OF
CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
JACKSON February 10, 2025
ALIFORNIA
Mayor and Council Members John Georgette, City Clerk
Chad Simmons, Vice Mayor Josh Nelson, City Attorney (remote attendance) Max Godde, Council Member Matt Ospital, Contract City Engineer/WGA Connie Gonsalves, Council Member
Sierra McLean, Council Member Staff Members:
'arl P. Simpson, City Manage
ABSENT: hris Mynderup, Police Chief
Steve McLean, Mayor Bree Wilder, Public Works Superintendent Ryan Pidgeon, Fire Chief
Angie Ervin, Accounting Manager
Carleen Kirkpatrick, Deputy City Clerk
Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator
Vice Mayor Simmons called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG.
Vice Mayor Simmons led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. CEREMONIAL.
Fire Chief Ryan Pidgeon introduced Jason Fishback and his promotion to Volunteer Fire Captain, recognizing his dedication to the Jackson Fire Department and the City of Jackson.
He also recognized the entire Fire Department for their extra hours and support (along with that of their families) during and in response to the Los Angeles fires. • Promotion of Volunteer Engineer to Volunteer Fire Captain: Jason Fishback.
Recognition of Jackson Fire Department personnel and families for their support in Los Angeles, California.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Vice Mayor Simmons advised of a few changes in the order of items on the agenda, as follows:
Item 4H moved to first item on Discussion Calendar and item 7G moved to second item on Discussion Calendar. Items 7E and & 7F were also moved in order to third and fourth items on Discussion Calendar. [Noted below in minutes before each item.]
Motion to approve the City Council Agenda dated February 10, 2025 as amended by Vice Mayor Simmons. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
NOES: None
ABSENT: Steve McLean
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.
Danica Paul (resident on Stark Lane) - Requested to know start date for replacement of the Stark Lane bridge and how long it is expected to take to complete.
Kenneth Chambers (unhoused Jackson resident) - Shared his personal story of homelessness, having grown up in Jackson, and expressed gratitude for the Homeless Outreach Program and Christine Platt, also noting that Brittney Pettinichio's kind words at the right time saved his life.
Daurice Hunt (Pine Grove resident) - Stated she is the first lady of the Jackson Masonic Lodge and shared her experience helping a homeless resident named Michael Eslinger. She stated she began an after-hours homeless outreach program to "help augment when our [the City's/ other programs are closed, such as in the nighttime and weekends or holidays". She shared the story of a homeless victim of domestic violence living in her car that she was able to help. Daurice advised she has put together care packages for homeless individuals and Michael Eslinger assists with distributing these to those in need. She testified to the limited resources available to homeless individuals and her efforts to assist.
Launa Staley (Jackson resident) - Stated "Ty" advised her to come tell her story to Council. She shared her personal experience of homelessness, and due to the outreach program, Michael and her own hard work (finding a job and saving her money), she has now had a home for the last year.
Jennifer Lemos (unhoused Jackson resident) - Stated she has been homeless for a couple of months now since being kicked out of her apartment, she has a learning/mental disability, and expressed thanks to Mental Health for their support. She shared her ongoing current struggles with being homeless out in the cold, seeking further support.
Jeremiah Gladen (resident on Anita Street) - Expressed concerns with a collapsing sewer line on Anita Street and excessive expenses to property owners. He stated the City is very responsive when called, but would like answers on how to obtain funding or federal/state aid to address this ongoing issue. Vice Mayor Simmons advised PW Supt Wilder will connect with him.
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 Meeting Minutes for January 13, 2025. b. Approval of Expenditure Report $492,284.88 (January 28, 2025) and $83,044.45 (February 6, 2025).
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C. Approval of January Payroll Expenditure Report in the amount of $461,159.58. d. Receive Building Department Monthly Report for January 2025. e. Receive Police Department Monthly Report for January 2025. f. Receive Fire Department Monthly Report for January 2025. 8• Acceptance of Committee Assignments [confirming decision made at 1/13/25 meeting-J
h. Award of design contract to Access Limited for Mattley Hillside Repair Project. [Moved to Discussion Calendar- discussion Item #1].
i. Receive Quarterly Periodical Engineering Report (October - December 2024).
Receive status update on active grant list.
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar dated February 10, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
NOES: None
ABSENT: Steve McLean
ABSTAIN: Gonsalves recused herself from Item A on
Consent, as she was not present for that
meeting
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 - The plates on Main Street have been fixed and removed, permanent asphalt coming soon. Had a couple issues with Republic after their purchase of Aces Waste, which he was able to sort out more efficiently in person with the Office Manager in Buena Vista. New sign has been replaced at Busi parking lot, and the previous sign will be relocated to City Hall parking garage soon. Through a $10k grant with Amador County, PW purchased some battery-operated chainsaws and weed eaters from Guy's Saw Shop and disposed of non-working equipment. New Maintenance Worker employee, Ben Crocker, started today. (Later in meeting, Councilmember Godde advised Mr. Crocker is a great choice for employee and inquired on PW staffing numbers. Wilder advised they now have 7 staff in PW, including himself, and are in need of one more to be fully staffed.) Pine Grove camp workers came out last week and conducted cleanup of blackberries and bushes around the dam area and Tyack Lane, reducing future fire hazards. Later in the meeting, following the third discussion item: Wilder advised Council of five water leaks occurring in Ridgecrest neighborhood, PW will address. Councilmember Gonsalves inquired if the leaks were connected to the hillside and retaining wall issues that impeded on the Firehouse parcel. Wilder advised it was not connected; the root of that problem was the irrigation and pool. Atypical increased pump activity at the booster station drew their attention to the issues at Ridgecrest.
Fire Chief, Ryan Pidgeon - Busy month, 164 calls for service in January. Several volunteers completed red card training, making them eligible to go out on strike team deployments, such as the water tender for the Los Angeles fires. The Jackson Hook & Ladder Association had their annual awards dinner.
February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Top responder award for the David Gardella Most Dedicated award was volunteer Firefighter Robert Gaston who ran the most calls, and Firefighter of the Year went to Jackson's Brennan Chadwick.
Police Chief, Chris Mynderup - The camp clean-up at Oro de Amador/Tyack Lane on January 24' went well and it looks great out there. Thanked PW Supt Wilder and the Public Works crew for assisting, as well as Fire Chief Pidgeon and the Jackson Fire crew, Vice Mayor Simmons and Simmon's Landscape crew, Sergeant Del Rio for organizing the clean-up, and Jackson PD, as well as all the volunteers who assisted. Between 5-6 large bins were filled and hauled away. PD will continue to monitor the area to prevent repopulation. Annual POST audit occurred in January and Jackson PD met all requirements on background investigations, mandated training and POST credentials.
City Attorney, Josh Nelson - No report.
City Manager, Carl P. Simpson - Attended the appreciation dinner hosted by Jackson Hook & Ladder Association with the fire department, appreciated the invite, and enjoyed the event. Expressed gratitude to the Laughton's for hosting the event.
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 - The Economic Development Committee did not have a quorum for their meeting last month, but will be gearing up for the Car Show which will have many more categories this year than in years' past. Paperwork will be submitted to the City soon for the event. City Manager Carl Simpson will be available to assist with parking cars again this year, and he and Vice Mayor Simmons will both have cars there. Planned for May 17" (always the third weekend in May).
Councilmember Godde - Attended the Kennedy Mine Foundation meeting and Amador County day is March 1st t, where they will be providing free tours. He also delivered meals volunteering for the Senior Center last week.
Councilmember McLean - Attended the Amador Pregnancy and Resource Center's fundraiser a couple of weeks ago, raising money for diapers and other necessities for expectant moms across the County.
She found the facilities to be impressive, as they have a genuinely nice set up for clothing, diapers, educational resources, etc. and she recommends expecting mothers to check them out.
Vice Mayor Simmons - Assisted with Jackson PD's planned clean-up at the dam/Oro de Amador property on January 24th
Mayor McLean - Absent.
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 February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
audio recordings provide an accurate and comprehensive backup of City Council deliberations and citizen discussion.
[Moved down from Consent Calendar.]
Item 4H - Award of design contract to Access Limited for Mattley Hillside Repair Project.
Matt Ospital (Contract City Engineer, WGA) - Received three proposals on this project and reviewed the evaluation process (as outlined in the staff report/memo). Expressed preference to award the project to Access Limited, as presented.
Vice Mayor Simmons requested some clarification on the large bid amount variance, and Matt advised the lower bidder, Harrison West, was lacking in various requested items from the bid, such as the schedule, closing Mattley Street, and other various scope of work requirements.
Councilmember Gonsalves inquired if there was a design approved. Ospital advised it will be built to the proposal requirements, including the soil nail wall (such as what is above CVS) with gunite.
Vice Mayor Simmons requested Public Comment and received none.
Vice Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to award the Mattley Hillside repair project bid to Access Limited for $465,128.89, dated February 10, 2025, as presented. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
NOES: None
ABSENT: Steve McLean
ABSTAIN: None
a. [DISCUSSED FIFTH] Receive, discuss, and provide direction on verbal report of City's ongoing response to homeless issues [Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator].
Christie Platt reported that she assisted an individual in entering a program over the weekend in collaboration with two other agencies. Another client is pending entry into another program, and she recently helped a person relocate back home, securing permanent housing. Platt stated that she would share Mr. Chambers' positive comments from public comment tonight with her assistant, Brittney. She expressed gratitude to City Manager Simpson for attending the recent coordination of care meeting. She also thanked those who spoke during public comment tonight and encouraged community members to attend the upcoming Homeless Task Force meeting, where the 10-year plan created in 2020 will be discussed. Logan Carnell from the Board of Supervisors now serves as Chairperson following Frank's retirement. The Homeless Task Force meets on the third Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the social services office. The meeting focuses on coordinating agencies, including the County, with a goal of developing more involved solutions for homeless rather than just continually disrupting encampments. The public is invited to attend, and she encouraged people to remember that the emphasis should remain on solutions rather than complaints and frustrations.
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Councilmember Gonsalves requested statistics from the Homeless Outreach Coordinator during monthly reports, such as success percentages. Vice Mayor Simmons requested the number of contacts made each day. Gonsalves directed the report to be provided and included in the Council agenda packet.
b. Review of applicants and appointment to Planning Commission.
Vice Mayor Simmons advised that Jason Mulford is the only applicant to the Planning Commission.
Jason Mulford advised his interests and qualifications are included in the application.
Vice Mayor Simmons asked for public comments and received none.
Vice Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to appoint Jason Mulford to the Planning Commission dated February 10, 2025.
Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
NOES: None
ABSENT: Steve McLean
ABSTAIN: None
c. Discuss and appoint a Council member to the Economic Development Committee, replacing Bob Stimpson.
Vice Mayor Simmons expressed his interest in joining the Economic Development Committee.
City Attorney Josh Nelson confirmed there is no disqualifying conflict of interest with Simmons' wife already a member on the committee. Simmons advised he is a business owner in Jackson, a lifelong resident, and has a strong desire to see continued business successes moving forward.
Vice Mayor Simmons asked for public comments and received none.
Vice Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to appoint Vice Mayor Chad Simmons to the Economic Development Committee, dated February 10, 2025. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
NOES: None
ABSENT: Steve McLean
ABSTAIN: None
d. Consideration and possible adoption of Resolution No. 2025-01 Adopting the City Investment Policy for 2025.
City Manager Carl Simpson advised this resolution is required annually for Council review and approval. There is minimal to no change from years' past.
February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Vice Mayor Simmons opened the item for council discussion.
Vice Mayor Simmons asked if there are a lot of excess funds. Simpson advised the memo summarizes where the City stands now and our Accounting Manager Angie Ervin is available in the audience to answer specific questions, if there are any.
Councilmember Godde inquired about the numbering of the Resolution in the packet versus the agenda title. Deputy City Clerk Kirkpatrick confirmed the resolution number is 2025-01 and this will be corrected.
Vice Mayor Simmons asked for public comments and received none.
Vice Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to approve Resolution No. 2025-01 Adopting the City Investment Policy dated February 10, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Councilmember McLean, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
NOES: None
ABSENT: Steve McLean
ABSTAIN: None
e. [DISCUSSED THIRD] Presentation from Placer.ai data analytics platform, supporting economic development efforts [Rodney Fraser, Placer.ai].
Rodney Fraser of Placer.ai presented remotely, providing an overview of the program's capabilities. He explained that Placer.ai tracks local cell phone traffic patterns in Jackson, allowing the City to analyze visitor behavior for economic development purposes. The software can monitor data such as visit times, length of stay, points of origin, and shopping patterns. This information can help attract new businesses and support economic growth. Fraser also highlighted increased activity in Jackson during City holiday events.
[Literature on the program is available in the Council packet.] Vice Mayor Simmons opened the item for council discussion.
Councilmember Godde inquired on the average size City that uses these services. Rodney advised Cities with populations between 4-12k are the typical users, with goals of recruiting businesses and visitors. Councilmember McLean inquired whether the program tracks those passing through versus those who actually stop and visit in Jackson. Rodney advised the parameters can be adjusted based on the users interest, to include stop time lengths as well as how much time people spend stopping in Jackson on their way to a ski resort, for example. Councilmember Gonsalves inquired if traffic flow information could be used to encourage new businesses into the community and Rodney confirmed.
Councilmember McLean inquired how the program knows where the cell phone originates. Rodney advised it tracks the longer resting points as the points of origin, or where the cell phone typically resides.
City Manager Simpson advised the purpose behind acquiring Placer.ai is to market the City of Jackson in a modern fashion to draw new businesses into the area, promoting Economic Development, exposing February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
actual areas of influence and daily visitors to the area, compared to simply viewing the City's population. Simpson requested Rodney to show the visitation map for the July 3rd events. Rodney adjusted the data fence to include the entire city limits and there were nearly 20,000 visitors in Jackson that day. The same information was shared, showing a decrease in activity on Christmas eve and day due to people being out of town. Simpson inquired if other Cities are posting this information on their websites to attract businesses. Rodney advised they do and he can send over some examples.
Vice Mayor Simmons inquired why the cost increases for the second year. Rodney advised there is a first-year discount applied.
Vice Mayor Simmons asked for public comments.
Planning Commissioner Jason Mulford (appointed tonight) advised he is working on the Economic Development Committee strategic plan and the information from this software is essential. He stated it could cost $10k for a private consultant to put together this type of plan.
City Manager Simpson shared Mayor McLean's input (in his absence) and support for this software at the Mayor's request. The City is not requesting Council approval, as the purchase amount is within the scope of City Manager approval. It has been presented here tonight to advise Council, request their feedback, and the contract is already prepared and ready for signature. Council agreed they support the purchase of this product.
f. [DISCUSSED FOURTH] Presentation by ClearGov on Jackson's new budgeting software [Ryan Wilson, ClearGov].
City Manager Simpson introduced this item, highlighting the City's reliance on a single individual who holds 85-90% of its financial institutional knowledge. While she is wonderful, much of the financial work is currently managed through spreadsheets. Simpson also recognized the financial achievements of his predecessor, who played an active role in managing City finances. He explained that ClearGov budgeting software will streamline the budgeting process, provide real-time budget status updates for each department, and serve as a centralized repository for institutional financial knowledge, ensuring long-term accessibility and efficiency.
Ryan Wilson of ClearGov presented remotely on the benefits of Jackson's new budgeting software. He explained that ClearGov addresses a common challenge for local governments by providing a centralized, accessible budgeting system. The software streamlines the budget process by automating manual tasks, reducing errors, and improving transparency for both city officials and constituents.
Wilson demonstrated how ClearGov simplifies budgeting compared to traditional methods that rely on disorganized Excel documents, emails, and/or other printed documents/files. The platform offers real- time tracking and easy access to financial data in a user-friendly, digital format. Designed specifically for small to mid-sized governments, ClearGov is a cost-effective alternative to larger financial tools built for major cities. It integrates seamlessly with existing accounting systems as a complement rather than a replacement. Ultimately, ClearGov enhances efficiency, accessibility, and transparency in the budgeting process for both administrators and the public. For example, as written in the City Manager's memo, ClearGov allows for real-time adjustments, such as the ability to compare a 3% cost of living adjustment to a 5% increase, making budget impacts immediately visible for consideration. The software supports multi-year capital improvement planning and enables department heads to log in, February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
submit budget requests, and attach supporting documents. City Council members can also be granted read-only access to track budget progress at any time, including viewing a calendar of completed tasks.
Additionally, ClearGov includes a transparency feature that generates an interactive online budget document for both the Council and the public, accessible via computer or mobile device, while still allowing for traditional PDF printing with page numbers and a table of contents.
Vice Mayor Simmons opened the item for council discussion.
Councilmembers Gonsalves requested confirmation that this program would not replace our current budgeting system or MOM accounting system, but compliment it, and Ryan confirmed. City Manager Simpson clarified that in the future the MOM system is planning to be replaced as well. ClearGov does not offer accounting software, only budgeting, of which they are best in class. Simpson advised the budget spreadsheets used now will run parallel with ClearGov through the end of this fiscal year and the old method will potentially fall away down the line.
Vice Mayor Simmons asked for public comments and received none. [VICE MAYOR SIMMONS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS BEFORE MOVING THE DISCUSSION ITEM A.]
g. [DISCUSSED SECOND] Discuss and provide direction on the Stark Lane Replacement Project [Matt Ospital, City Engineer/WGA].
Matt Ospital provided some history on the bridge and needed repairs, which were previously submitted PW Supt Wilder advised planning is still in the early stages. They will work with Jackson Gate apartments for temporary access for homeowners, garbage service, propane, etc. The box culvert design could take a matter of weeks to install versus months.
Vice Mayor Simmons opened the item for council discussion.
Simmons inquired about Fish & Wildlife. Ospital advised they are in preliminary stages and with Council direction will move forward with the project, expected to cost around $500k. PW Supt provided info on funding options, briefly. Councilmember Gonsalves confirmed this was Council's first priority on capital improvement projects this year.
Vice Mayor Simmons asked for public comments.
A member of the public did not sign in and called out an inquiry on the timeline for replacement. Vice Mayor Simmons advised it is in the preliminary stages at this time. Councilmember Gonsalves added that local residents will be contacted for arrangements as plans get closer. PW Supt Wilder advised he has responded to a couple calls on this project from concerned residents and they were advised they will be kept informed throughout the process.
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Vice Mayor Simmons requested a motion.
Meniac to dite tect, to mave forwar do, prelims presented ote Sundo ace Beiger McLean, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 10 0 vote:
AYES: Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
NOES: None
ABSENT: Steve McLean
ABSTAIN: None
8. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on February 24, 2025.
ATTEST:
ohn Li 3/24/25
Date Approved