CITY OF
CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
JACKSON April 14, 2025
ALIFORNIA
Mayor and Council Members Josh Nelson, City Attorney
Steve McLean, Mayor
Chad Simmons, Vice Mayor
Max Godde, Council Member Carl P. Simpson, City Manager Connie Gonsalves, Council Member Chris Mynderup, Police Chief Sierra McLean, Council Member Bree Wilder, Public Works Superintendent Trevor Hoaas, Asst PW Superintendent (remote)
ABSENT: None Ryan Pidgeon, Fire Chief
Carleen Kirkpatrick, Deputy City Clerk
Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator
Mayor McLean called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG.
Mayor McLean led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
lotion to approve the City Council Agenda dated April 14, 2025 as presented. Moved b 'ouncilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 5 to vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean 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.
Thornton Consolo - Provided Council with information regarding City Clerk John Georgette's recent fall, expected to be okay.
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.
April 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
a. Approval of March 24, 2025 Meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $336,511.98 (April 9, 2025). c. Approval of March 2025 Payroll Expenditure Report.
d. Receive Building Department Monthly Report for March 2025. e. Receive Fire Department Monthly Report for March 2025. f. Receive Police Department Monthly Report for March 2025. g. Acceptance of Code Enforcement Policy implementing A.B. 548 pertaining to substandard housing inspections of multi-family residential units. h. Approval of city employee salary range schedule and position ranges.
Councilmembers Godde and Gonsalves abstained from meeting minutes for 3/24/25 (item 3a), as they were not present at the meeting.
Vice Mayor Simmons reported that a revised supplemental salary range schedule was provided today [copies made available to public at the meeting], which altered some of the original recommendations included in the Council packet. Simmons clarified that although some salary ranges changed, the estimated monthly increase may not reflect this. Due to these changes, Simmons requested the item be pulled from the agenda. Additionally, Simmons asked for detailed intormation comparing the current position ranges to the newly proposed ranges, along with updated estimates for both monthly and annual increases. City Attorney Nelson advised that the item can be discussed again in a closed session and then brought back for approval in open session at a regular meeting. amend to is Move Coice nt Cale datoes, sing item by dated pri ber sir a presented vicaried by a 5 to O vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Gonsalves & Godde - abstain from item 3A only, as they were not present for this meeting.
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 - Another string of marker lights are up across Main Street with more to come this week. PW assisted with installing speaker on Main Street for the new sound system, with a couple more on their way to be installed near the South end of town. City's street sweeper has been returned from the Cummins dealer, being diagnosed for an injector/fuel rail code which was quoted at $20k to be repaired. Wilder declined the repair and will attempt to address in house first. The cost to clear the water from the fuel tank was $2700. Mayor McLean inquired how water got into the tank- Wilder advised Cummins dealer stated the cap must have been left off but Wilder disagrees with this assessment. Bree received a verbal estimate from another mechanic to rebuild the entire engine for less than $20k. The swing set at Detert Park that was destroyed during the storms in 2023 have been rebuilt and will be installed shortly. A grant application was submitted to the April 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Amador Community Foundation to replace underlayment at the parks as well, pending approval. Vice Mayor Simmons asked if Wilder was able to locate bark and Wilder advised he found some at a good price that will be delivered and blown in with a bark blower for approximately the amount of the $10k grant.
Fire Chief, Ryan Pidgeon - FD responded to 194 incidents last month, with one rather significant call where he contacted the Amador County Critical Incident Stress Management Team to work with the crews to provide mental health support. Everyone is well. A debrief meeting was held today with American Legion Ambulance, Amador County Sheriffs, and a few other community partners to review the incident. Currently working on completing the annual hydrant inspections and training to prepare for fire season.
Police Chief, Chris Mynderup - Highlight: Officer Jordan Thurman made a stop last night around 9PM for various vehicle code violations, resulting in the discovery a felon in possession of two loaded firearms (one shotgun, one handgun), several other rounds of ammunition, and a large quantity of methamphetamine. 42-year-old Jeffrey McVay of Carmichael was arrested for a felon in possession of firearms, ammunition and drugs. MoVay had previous drug offenses and misdemeanor convictions, which boosted current violations up to felonies. Highlight: Detective Michele Hopper completed the two-week 80-hour course ICI Investigator Core Course through the POST Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigations, which is rather prestigious and another step closer for Hopper to continue and eventually obtain expertise in criminal investigations, including homicide, robbery, arson, burglary, and various other criminal activities. New Officer Winston Johnson just completed his FTO program successfully and working on his own on the weekend day shift currently. PD seeks to conduct his swearing in and introduction at the next Council meeting.
City Attorney, Josh Nelson - An update was provided on ongoing litigation in several Bay Area cities involving challenges to camping ban ordinances. The Supreme Court has affirmed that such ordinances are constitutional on their face. However, plaintiffs in these cases are now citing other constitutional provisions, including the 14th Amendment, to argue against enforcement. In Vallejo, the court temporarily prohibited enforcement of the ordinance, whereas in Fairfax, enforcement was allowed to proceed. These legal challenges are ongoing, with potential for a 9th Circuit ruling or even a U.S.
Supreme Court decision. City Attorney will continue to monitor and provide updates as the situation evolves.
City Manager, Carl P. Simpson - New Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Daniel Whitford started today and will be introduced at the next City Council meeting. Last week, Simpson and Police Chief Mynderup toured Placer County's impressive unsheltered services facility and observed their full scope of provided services. He stated the shelter is one of the best facilities he has observed in many years of observing homeless shelters.
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 - This afternoon she met with Senator Alvarado-Gil at Boilerworks Café with Councilmember Godde, where they shared the communication issues we have with CalTrans, April 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
concerns with the pedestrian crossing on Highway 49. The Senator advised of grants that may be available for this and possibly the Creek Walk. The also discussed fire insurance which continues to rise. There is a bit of a deadlock between the insurance commissioner and the Governor. She attended the Chamber of Commerce mixer at the Knights Foundry. She met a gentleman over the weekend who is looking for a location which can house high-lifts for vehicles, lo open a startup business converting older vehicles into electric. Staff will be reviewing available City-owned properties as a possible opportunity as well. Preparations for the Motherlode Cruise Car Show are underway with numerous sponsors and approximately 150 entries so far. 200 will be the cap. There is a SEMA category this year for Vegas Style vehicles. In the Bank of America parking lot there will be a First Responders' area with Fire and Police, PG&E, CalFire, etc. Operation Care will be taking care of the alley way on the side of the National Hotel with wine tasting, Sock Hop, and bands.
Councilmember Godde - He also met with Senator Alvarado-Gil today and thanked her for her work on the middle-class scholarship funding she was trying to pass with the State as well as for co-authoring SB 712/Leno's Law. He stated she has a passion for Jackson, as this is her hometown. Godde attended the Cemetery Committee meeting as well as the Kennedy Mine Foundation meeting.
Councilmember McLean - On Friday, she met with our local PG&E representative to go over steps they are taking to unground wires, fire prevention, etc. Interesting Fact: 88% of Amador County citizens that are eligible for the CARES program are already enrolled for discounts on energy bills. She would like to see the other 12% eligible get signed up.
Vice Mayor Simmons - He also met with Senator Alvarado-Gil today. The Jackson Junior High Volleyball team won the AMA tournament championship.
Mayor McLean - He also met with Senator Alvarado-Gil in Jackson, as well as at the State Capital recently. McLean shared a lot of the same issues mentioned by other councilmembers, including the concerning intersection at Hwy 88/49 and possible changes to improve it in the future, along with repaving Main Street. Attended the Chamber of Commerce mixer at the Knight's Foundry. Attended an Archway meeting with City Manager Simpson. He announced that the National Hotel will now be a Hilton tapestry boutique hotel, creating a global connection. The distillery expected to open on Main Street is still coming. It was put on a brief hold, as the owners were focusing on their new home they recently purchased in Pine Grove.
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 on verbal report of City's ongoing response to homeless issues [Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator].
In the hiring process for the new Assistant Homeless Outreach Coordinator, so hopefully this person will be starting soon. She is working with five clients (currently in temporary housing situations) with Master Care, whose focus is on assisting seniors with establishing more stable living situations.
April 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
The goal is to connect them with more permanent housing to avoid their return to being homeless. A client is signing a lease tomorrow on permanent housing. She is working with Animal Control to help unhoused people get their animals spayed/neutered. Mayor McLean inquired about rabies shots and she advised there are low cost shot clinics at Tractor Supply, which she is able to help make connections for assistance for individuals who ask for help. Another client worked through ATCAA's program to obtain social security/disability and recently qualified, which allows them to find permanent housing. Operation Care is planning to cater the shower program sometime soon.
She is currently working on supporting an unhoused individual who is currently incarcerated to transfer directly to rehab programming, hopefully avoiding their return to the street. The District Attorney, Public Defender and Judge recently contacted her to assist a client who is being released from jail soon, who has been in the State hospital for quite some time, and they wanted to secure support to help this person return to their home community. She was able to help put this person up overnight and get him to the bus depot the next morning to return home.
Council briefly discussed the homeless camp East of the Sutter Hospital, with remaining clean up to be completed by the property owner post removal of unhoused individuals.
LITEM H WAS MOVED TO DISCUSSION BEFORE ITEM B, AT COUNCIL REQUEST.J b. Discussion and direction on the Mattley hill slide repair project sculpted shotcrete finish and/or color selection [Bree Wilder, PW Superintendent for Matt Ospital, Contract Engineer].
PW Superintendent Wilder advised the project is moving forward and the contractor now has an in- house artist for the sculpting of the wall, which would reduce the cost from the initial declined quote of $147K to $89K if Council wishes to reconsider the artwork. Wilder also sought color selection from Council for the wall.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
Council directed Wilder to select the color that best blends in with the natural look. Tweed and Yukon Gold match the rock on site best. Godde and Simmons expressed their preference to include the artwork at the lower cost, as it would cost more to come back to do it in the future. Wilder and Finance Manager Blankenship expressed they do not prefer including the additional cost for artwork.
City Manager Simpson advised the City Attorney confirmed TOT funds may be used, as there is a connection between beautification of the hillside and tourism. Blankenship advised SB1 money is based on gas tax, but averages about $92-100K per year over the past 4-5 years. Simmons inquired if the pins will be visible and Wilder advised he will find out, and a decision does not need to be made tonight. Council selected to use TOT funds to pay for the additional $89K for artwork.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to approve sculptured shotcrete utilizing $89K of TOT funds in the color most natural, dated April 14, 2025, as presented. Moved by Mayor McLean, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean April 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
c. Request for Council reconsideration of Cemetery Committee member appointment [Laurie Fishback, Cemetery Sexton].
Councilmember Sierra McLean proposed an alternate solution to increase the number of committee members to six, and/or add Teresa Floyd as an alternate. A Councilmember could serve as an alternate vote when needed.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments.
Council heard multiple comments from Cemetery Chairman Laughton, Cemetery Committee member Collins, resident Marilyn Lewis, and recently appointed Cemetery Committee member McCarthy. Councilmember Gonsalves requested contact be made with Ms. Floyd to make sure she is still interested in being on the committee.
Mayor McLean closed public comment after each person had a chance to speak.
Council directed City Attorney Nelson to prepare an ordinance to increase the Cemetery Committee to six members with the assigned Councilmember serving as a tie breaker vote, as needed. [MAYOR MCLEAN REQUESTED A SEVEN MINUTE BREAK.]
d. Discussion and acceptance of Resolution No. 2025-10 Extending FY 24/25 Water Rates with Amador Water Agency's FY 25/26 Wholesale Increase for one-year Effective July 1st, 2025 [Trevor Hoaas, Asst PW Superintendent].
Asst PW Supt Trevor Hoaas (attending remotely) advised the resolution will extend existing water rates, reflecting the Amador Water Agency's annual increase for FY 25-26. This increase to the City of Jackson will be passed on the customers, roughly a 3% increase to water bills beginning for service month July 2025. The City of Jackson plans to conduct a water rate study in the next year, putting us on the same 5-year time frame as AWA, which will help us address AWA's increases to water purchase costs within our 5-year rate plan.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
Vice Mayor Simmons inquired if the sewer rate will increase the same. Hoaas advised that is separate and the recent sewer rate study was completed in 2024- good through 2029.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments.
Marilyn Lewis made comments about a previous lawsuit with the water agency in 1992, and advised she would like to meet with City staff to review our service area.
Mayor requests a motion.
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Motion to approve Resolution No. 2025-10 Extending FY 24/25 Water Rates with Amador Water Agency's FY 25/26 Wholesale Increase for one-year Effective July 1s, 2025, dated April 14, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
e. Discussion and consideration of Letter Agreement for Use of the Scout Hut by Amador County Library's Summer Reading Program [Carl Simpson, City Manager].
City Manager Simpson introduced the item, advising the City is not asking for money for this agreement as it benefits many Jackson youth. We are also working on building our relationship with the County, receiving a few police vehicles at a good cost as well. There is no conflict with ACRA's current use of the Scout Hut.
Amador County Library Assistant Alyssa advised the use is to serve the library's summer youth adıng program on Thursdays in June and July, including events for all ages. This space will he inimize interruptions and/or noise at the library. She advised they are hoping to continue son after school activities in the Scout Hut once school restarts in August to continue keeping kids engaged.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion and received none.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to approve the Letter Agreement for Use of the Scout Hut by Amador County Library's Summer Reading Program, dated April 14, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Sierra McLean, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
f. First Reading: Ordinance No. 734 Adding Chapter 8.40 to Title 8 of the Jackson Municipal Code Adopting the Fire Hazard Severity Zones as Recommended by CalFire and to Provide Authorization for Fees for the Inspection of Properties that are sold in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone [Ryan Pidgeon, Fire Chief].
Fire Chief Pidgeon advised the fire severity zones started in the state responsibility areas and due to recent legislation it has now moved into the local responsibility areas as well, which includes April 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Jackson City Limits. The City had no input into the creation of the severity maps and the ordinance is required to be adopted per state code.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
Councilmember Gonsalves advised CalFire did do a presentation at the Fire Safe Council meeting, but they only invited the stakeholders they wanted and did not allow public comment.
Chief Pidgeon advised the maps do show a difference between hazard and risk areas, with a 30-50- year projection of what could happen. The City is required to adopt the ordinance by law.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments.
Debby Collins inquired what the fee would be for inspections. Chief Pidgeon advised it is in the same fee schedule as the building code and permit schedule. Fire Department inspection fees are $150/hour, and no inspections for this reason have been conducted yet as this is a new requirement.
Councilmember Gonsalves inquired if the City is partnered with Amador Fire Protection for Fire Marshal inspections. Amador Fire Protection terminated the agreement over the past year, but there is a verbal agreement for fire investigations as needed.
Thornton Consolo shared some history and concerns pertaining to fires around the state, insurance rates, and fire prevention requirements for property owners.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to waive first reading and move to second reading of Ordinance No. 734 Adding Chapter 8.40 to Title 8 of the Jackson Municipal Code Adopting the Fire Hazard Severity Zones as Recommended by CalFire and to Provide Authorization for Fees for the Inspection of Properties that are sold in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, dated April 14, 2025 as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Sierra McLean, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
g. Weed Abatement Program and Fire Hazard Prevention Update [Carleen Kirkpatrick, Deputy City Clerk].
Deputy City Clerk Kirkpatrick provided an update on the 2025 Weed Abatement Program.
Early notification letters and educational materials will be sent in April to property owners whose parcels may pose a fire hazard later in the season. Initial inspections will begin in May, and code cases may be opened early under COJ Municipal Code 8.16 (nuisance code for weeds over 12 inches) to encourage voluntary compliance, especially for high-risk properties. Once CalFire officially declares fire hazard season, Code Enforcement may shift to using COJ April 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Municipal Code 8.12 to address fire hazard violations more directly. The overall goal is to proactively engage property owners and promote voluntary compliance before hazards escalate.
For properties that remain noncompliant after proper noticing, the City may proceed with abatements. To recover associated costs, a quicker lien process has been established, particularly in cases where properties are sold with unpaid balances. Unpaid abatement costs from 2024 will be presented for approval to place liens at the next Council meeting, for example. Moving forward, the City intends to place 2025 abatement liens before year-end.
Mayor McLean opened the item up for public comments.
Jim Laughton sought guidance for properties over two acres with cattle grazing.
Kirkpatrick advised she is available to connect with anyone who receives a notice to provide more individual guidance to achieve compliance. In previous years, we have been rather flexible on fire break requirements. While the code requires a 20-foot firebreak for parcels over 2 acres, this is not always the best fit based on the individual property. In these instances, Code leans on Fire personnel to provide an assessment and recommendation for a satisfactory fire hazard reduction at the location that is reasonable on a case-by-case basis. Mayor McLean advised we have been willing to work with property owners in the past to work out the gray areas.
Councilmember Sierra McLean inquired if this ordinance applies to the High School property.
City Manager Simpson advised the code does apply to them and we can reach out to them to make appropriate recommendations for compliance.
h. [DISCUSSED SECOND, AT COUNCIL REQUEST]
Presentation and discussion of the HomeKey+ Application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development [Jason Mulford, Planning Commissioner/EDC Vice Chair].
• Consideration and possible approval of:
• Resolution No. 2025-11 Authorizing Joint Application To and Participation In The Homekey+ Program.
• Memorandum of Understanding between City of Jackson and Victory Village, Inc.
Nichole Mulford/Executive Director for Victory Village, Sheriff Gary Redman, and Sean Regan/Director of Construction presented a slideshow on the Homekey+ application, funded through Proposition I for Behavioral Health & Housing. Nichole provided a brief history on the start of the Victory Village project to address housing issues in Jackson. [The full presentation is available on the City of Jackson website, under audio recordings.] City Council and staff discussed multiple questions and concerns with the Memorandum of Understanding and requested City Manager Carl Simpson and City Attorney Josh Nelson to more thoroughly review the requirements and liabilities to the City related to the application. Council expressed initial support of this item, and it will be returned at a future meeting for further consideration.
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Councilmember Gonsalves advised she will not be present at the next meeting. Councilmember Sierra McLean advised she may or may not be present, based upon her expected due date.
7. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 8:45PM.
ATTEST:
Join Cogetie, Gily Clerk, 4/28/25
Date Approved
CARLEEN KIRKPATRICK, DEPUTY
on behalf if