CITY OF
CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
BACKSON March 10, 2025
CALIFORNIA
Mayor and Council Members John Georgette, City Clerk
Steve McLean, Mayor Josh Nelson, City Attorney (attended remotely) Chad Simmons, Vice Mayor
Max Godde, Council Member Staff Members:
Sierra McLean, Council Member Carl P. Simpson, City Manager Chris Mynderup, Police Chief
ABSENT: Trevor Hoaas, Asst PW Superintendent
Connie Gonsalves, Council Member Ryan Pidgeon, Fire Chief Carleen Kirkpatrick, Deputy City Clerk
Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator
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. PROCLAMATION.
• Commemorating March 2025 as American Red Cross Month.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Motion to approve the City Council Agenda dated March 10, 2025 as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 10 O vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Sierra McLean
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonsalves
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.
None.
Mayor McLean reminded the public Dandelion Days is this weekend on Main Street in Jackson on March 15" and 16"h. 49er Days for the Native Sons of the Golden West is also this weekend and two dedications will be conducted for Mel's Diner at 10:30AM and the Serbian Church on Main Street at 2:30PM, both on Saturday.
March 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
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 February 24, 2025 Meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $96,932.61 (3/7/25). c. Approval of February 2025 Payroll Expenditure Report in the amount of $452,097.68. d. Receive Building Department Monthly Report for February 2025.* Receive Fire Department Monthly Report for February 2025. f. Receive Police Department Monthly Report for February 2025. g. Receive Homeless Outreach Monthly Report for February 2025. h. Approval of Special Event Permit Application - Denim Day Petkovich Park (April 30, 2025).
i. Acceptance of Resolution No. 2025-06 Awarding the Service Agreement for the Wastewater Collection System Cleaning and CCTV Inspection Services to Presidio Systems, Inc.
j. Approvai of Speciai Eveni Permit Application - Motherlode Cruise Car Show (May 17- 18, 2025).
k. Approval of Special Event Permit Application - Kit Carson Mountain Men Days of 49 Wagon Train Parade (April 26-27, 2025).
1. Acceptance of Resolution No. 2025-07 Authorizing the Destruction of Certain Public Records in Conformance with City's Public Records Management Guidelines. m. Acceptance of Resolution No. 2025-08 Awarding a Contract for the Design and Construction of the Mattley Hillside Repair Project.
n. Acceptance of Professional Service Agreement for Grant Writing Services with California Consulting, Inc.
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar dated March 10, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Councilmember Sierra McLean, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYRS: Steve McLcan, Simmons, Godde, Sierra McLean
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonsalves
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.
Asst Public Works Superintendent, Trevor Hoaas - Sold three retired public works trucks last week through the surplus auction website for $14K, as well as old/broken water meters for another $6K. PW has been preparing for Dandelion Days, and is looking forward to getting the CCTV and cleaning project started. Councilmember Godde inquired if one of the sold vehicles was #72 (originally purchased in 1494) and Hoaas confirmed. Vice Mayor Simmons inquired if it looks cleaner at the Curp Yard and Hoaas advised it is looking much better.
March 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Fire Chief, Ryan Pidgeon - Fire responded to 180 calls for service in February 2025, average month.
The difficulty has been with the calls coming in simultaneously. Jackson only has one crew so they rely on mutual aid to meet needs for response. Last weekend, they responded to a water rescue on Electra Road-the original report was kids were in the water but they were actually stuck on the opposite shore.
They contacted PG&E to reduce the flow and Battalion Chief Alex Sharp partnered with Amador Fire's swift water rescue team and they were able to facilitate bringing the two juveniles back across safely to their parents. Fire Engineer Roc Craig and Firefighters Kyle Judd and Bobby Gaston also assisted in the down water safety team for this incident. Water rescues are common in this area and collaboration between Calaveras and Amador County Sheriffs, and Amador Fire worked well together on this incident. Chief Pidgeon congratulated Firefighter Kyle Judd for passing his Firefighter I Certification last week at the College of Siskiyous. Last week, they purchased a 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 from the City of Isleton, as they are going through a tough time. He expressed thanks to Councilmember Gonsalves who was instrumental in negotiating a good deal, which resulted in trading Jackson's 2000 Chevy Silverado with about 123,000 miles and expired turnout gears as part of the deal. He has been meeting with Sergeant Girton with the Amador County Sheriff's Office, and would like to advise the public that their "Red Alert" system in no longer in service and they have transitioned to "Amador County Emergency Alerts". Please sign up for the new alert system to continue receiving important alerts from them.
Mayor McLean recognized Fire for their teamwork with the other agencies on the successful water rescue.
Police Chief, Chris Mynderup - On Saturday, there was a report of a homeless individual causing a disturbance at a softball tournament, allegedly harassing children by cussing at them. Officers from Jackson and Sutter Creek PD responded to the call. Before their arrival, some parents informed authorities that the individual might have been attempting to sell Fentanyl to the children. The individual, who is a frequent transient moving between Jackson and Pine Grove, was located near the 49er bathroom and was escorted out of the area without further incident. It was confirmed that he does not sell or use drugs, but is an alcoholic. While his behavior was inappropriate, there were no other criminal activities linked to him. Officers reminded the public to report disturbances involving individuals like this so that the department can address the issues promptly. Winston Johnson, a lateral police officer applicant from Citrus Heights, has successfully completed all of his background checks.
He will be contacted for a chief's interview tomorrow, and if he accepts the position, he is expected to begin immediately. Winston is already familiar with the department's systems, allowing for a quick transition and smooth integration into the team. He recently attended the Dandelion Days prep meeting.
Officers will be staffed and ready to ensure the safety of visitors during the event. PD will have a booth near Bank of America to maintain visibility, and officers will be stationed there to handle any emerging issues. Chief Mynderup will be attending the First Annual First Responder Mental Health Awareness Fundraiser Dinner, organized by the county's chaplain services, Hook'd Bait & Tackle in lone, Lava Dog in Plymouth, and the Amador County Sheriff's Office Foundation. The department will donate a gift basket and another raffle prize for the event, which focuses on raising awareness of mental health issues affecting first responders.
Vice Mayor Simmons inquired if the Hells Angels are attending Dandelion Days again this year. Chief Mynderup confirmed they are attending and signed up with Lions Club under a different name again.
While there have been no issues with them in previous years, the department is aware of their presence and will continue to monitor the situation.
March 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
City Attorney, Josh Nelson - No report.
City Manager, Carl P. Simpson - Thanked city staff, Chief Pidgeon and Chief Mynderup, for their quick responses to incidents in the City. Expressed a reminder to the City how fortunate we are to have such a good response from Police, Fire and Public Works to issues that arise. Council also expressed their gratitude for these efforts.
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 - Absent.
Councilmember Godde - No report.
Councilmember McLean - Attended severai trainings, and stated the most relevant one for Jackson was about city-led insurance programs. She stated that while she did not think it makes sense for the city to fund insurance right now, other cities in the state are either supplementing or offering their own insurance for things like fire or flood damage. These programs help provide quick emergency relief especially since FEMA and other disaster aid can take months to reach homeowners or renters. She stated it was really interesting to learn how these programs work and in the long term is curious to see if it could be a good fit for our city. She stated they are typically funded by grants, city funds, and taxes.
Given the current financial climate, she wasn't sure it would be feasible for Jackson but worth considering.
Vice Mayor Simmons - No report.
Mayor McLean - Attended a Beautification/Arch meeting, and will be meeting weekly or biweekly moving forward until the fundraiser planned for June 21, 2025.
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.
a. Receive, discuss, and provide direction on verbal report of City's ongoing response to homeless issues [Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator].
In February, three clients secured permanent housing -two in the county and one out of county. One client was able to enter a temporary shelter with help from Paradise Doggy Daycare, which provided care for her dog. Another client entered rehab and she is working with multiple agencies, including Valley Mountain Regional Center, the District Attorney's Office, Public Defender's Office, and Judge Hermansen, to find additional programs for another client. Homeless Outreach provided 88 March 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
individual showers, which is a good number considering February is typically a slow month.
Attended the Homeless Task Force meeting, which focused on updating the 10-year plan and exploring more sustainable solutions for homelessness. Additionally, she assisted a client with medical attention and is coordinating with agencies to find housing during their chemotherapy treatment. She received a heartwarming message from a client expressing gratitude and optimism, sharing that they have a resume ready and plan to apply for a job at Sierra Pacific Industries, which they expect to get. They thanked her for making them feel important and acknowledged that the positive changes in their life, including hope, joy, and the dream of reconnecting with their kids, all started with the support they received in her office. The message ended with heartfelt appreciation, saying that the work she does is making a meaningful impact. This particular client, that she worked with in collaboration with probation, and behavioral health, is now in permanent housing as well.
Council expressed gratitude for her work and inquired if this person is a local resident. Christine advised he is from Pine Grove and is a third-generation tree trimmer from the area. Councilmember Sierra McLean thanked Christine personally for her thankless hard work and stated she is doing a great job.
Mayor McLean asked for public comment and received none. *Mayor McLean also advised a replacement report for the February Building Report on the Consent Calendar tonight is available on the counter for anyone interested. b. First reading of Ordinance No. 733 Adding Chapter 8.36 to Title 8 of the Jackson Municipal Code Relating to Portable Storage Containers.
City Manager Carl Simpson advised this ordinance came about as a result of a complaint received over the summer regarding placement of a container in the front setback. He advised most cities already have ordinances that deal with containers and this provides Jackson with another tool for enforcement. Mayor McLean advised of a concerning container on Water Street that everyone can see coming into town from 88 that may need to be followed up on. Simpson advised we can follow up on it.
Councilmember Sierra McLean inquired about the cost of the temporary use permit and expressed concerns with the additional costs for residential, especially if they are moving. She expressed concerns with the restrictiveness of the ordinance for residential, not commercial. Councilmember Godde stated he believed there was a 90-day maximum for placement of a container, and Councilmember Sierra McLean agreed with the understanding. Sierra advised she would prefer placement less than a week should be allowed without a permit. City Manager Simpson advised the ordinance can potentially be adjusted to meet Council preference, but stated the ten-foot setback requirements from a public street is due to safety for people pulling out of their driveway to see oncoming cars. City Attorney Nelson advised this ordinance is somewhat unique and they can follow up on this ordinance with Council's feedback tonight. If Council wishes to add a one-week exemption to the permit tonight it can be addressed and move forward tonight. Councilmember Sierra McLean reiterated the extra cost to people moving and difficulty obtaining the permit, which she stated she could not find easily online. City Manager Simpson advised the access to the permit may need to be adjusted on the website after the ordinance goes into effect. Simpson also advised March 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
the ordinance is more geared towards providing the City with a means to enforce against problem containers placed for long periods of time that are causing a nuisance.
City Attorney Josh Nelson advised of options for moving forward on this item tonight; return with another first reading with revised language based upon feedback tonight, or waive the first reading and move forward this evening understanding the edits will be made and return for a second reading.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments.
Resident Debby Collins expressed concerns regarding demolition permits and waste containers.
City Attorney Nelson advised clarity can be added to address construction, waste and demolition permits for containers not to be included in this ordinance. Council discussed details of the ordinance further, as it applies to commercial projects. City Manager Simpson advised the container can be made legal pursuant to an active demolition or construction permit. Mayor McLean made note of the container at Kentucky Fried Chicken is of concern. Debby Collins shared a personal experience with use of a container (could not make out comment from crowd as there was no mic, did not come up to podium).
Mayor McLean requested to bring the item back for another first reading with amendments based upon Council feedback tonight.
c. Amador Child Care Council TOT funding request for $1500 supporting the "27th Annual Celebrate Our Children" event on April 26, 2025.
Emma Swett of the Amador County Childcare Council presented their request seeking support for the 27th Annual Celebrate Our Children Festival, a premier event in Amador County that serves local families. Held at Argonaut High School, the event will feature over 50 booths, mostly hosted by local nonprofits, offering community interaction, parent education on child development, and family-friendly activities. The event, which has grown significantly in the past few years, serves as a celebration of National Week of the Young Child and aims to support affordable, accessible, and quality childcare. This year, they are requesting a $1,500 grant from the City of Jackson's TOT funds to help offset the event's approximate $6,000 cost. In return, the city will be recognized on event materials and media outreach. The event includes music, entertainment, free lunches, and activity supplies, with assistance from the Jackson Police Department. The planning subcommittee is organizing the event, which attracts attendees from across the county and supports local businesses.
Surveys will be used to measure the event's success, and the Childcare Council is actively seeking sponsorships through various outreach efforts. They expressed appreciations for the city's consideration of their request and hopes for continued support. [The Amador Childcare Council played a brief video of highlights from the previous year's event.] Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to approve the Amador Child Care Council's funding request for $1500 to support the "27h Annual Celebrate Our Children" event on April 26, 2025, dated March 10, 2025 as March 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
presented. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Councilmember Sierra McLean, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Sierra McLean
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonsalves
ABSTAIN: None
8. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 7:14 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on March 24, 2025.
ATTEST:
on Heralle 3/24/25
John Georgette, City Clerk Date Approved