CITY OF
CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
JACKSON May 12, 2025
ALIFORNIA
Mayor and Council Members Josh Nelson, City Attorney (remote attendance) Steve McLean, Mayor
Chad Simmons, Vice Mayor Staff Members:
Max Godde, Council Member Carl P. Simpson, City Manager Connie Gonsalves, Council Member Jose Arevalos, Police Captain Ryan Pidgeon, Fire Chief
ABSENT: Bree Wilder, Public Works Superintendent
Sierra McLean, Council Member Carleen Kirkpatrick, Deputy City Clerk 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. CEREMONIAL.
PURPLE HEART CITY:
• Post Colors: (Led by MOPH Chapter or Honor Guard) - Lead by Vietnam Veteran Robert S.
Invocation: A moment for reflection and a prayer - Vietnam Veteran Robert S.
МОРН (Military Order of the Purple Heart) Remarks: Brief speech or remarks from a representative of MOPH - Purple Heart Recipient and Commander Bruce. • Presentation of the Purple Heart City plaque and formal recognition by the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH); Exchange of Purple Heart City Proclamation (read at 4/28/25 Council meeting).
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Motion to approve the City Council Agenda dated May 12, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves
NOES: None
ABSENT: Sierra 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.
May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Duane Ven Huizen - Expressed concerns about Jackson Gate Road project in Amador County unincorporated, road conditions, proposed hotel by property owner Ron Regan, and plans to attend the Board of Supervisors meeting on 5/13/25. Handouts provided to Council and made available to the public during the meeting.
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 April 28, 2025 Meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $61,138.83 (May 8, 2025). c. Approval of April 2025 Payroll Expenditure Report in the amount of $462,199.91. d. Receive Building Department monthly report for April 2025. e. Receive Fire Department monthly report for April 2025. f. Received Police Department monthly report for April 2025. g. Receive Quarterly Engineering Periodical Report (Jan-Mar 2025). h. Acceptance of Resolution No. 2025-05 Accepting the Completion of Public Improvements for the Elizabeth Street Sewer Project, and Filing a Notice of Completion and Authorizing Recordation Therefore.
i. Approval of Special Event Permit - Bottilleas Dinner on Main.
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar dated May 12, 2025 as presented (Councilmember Gonsalves abstain from item 4a only). Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves
NOES: None
ABSENT: Sierra McLean
ABSTAIN: Gonsalves (Item 4A ONLY)
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 - A 2" water line was hit by an auger today by a resident installing a fence, and was quickly fixed. Public Works is preparing for the Motherlode Cruise Car Show this weekend 5/17/25. Pre-bid meeting tomorrow morning for Police Department HVAC install project.
Fire Chief, Ryan Pidgeon - Responded to 161 calls last month, average amount. Finalizing the agreement with Abrahm's College to allow EMT students from their program to participate in ride-a- longs with our Fire Dept and gain clinical experience. We may be able to recruit new volunteers through this partnership. Participated in the Celebrate Our Children event, assisting Amador County Public Health with handing out 148 bike helmets, and 91 kids participated in the bike rodeo. A couple kids had never ridden bikes before and Fire personnel were able to teach them how which was pretty May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
cool. Attended a new training course through CalOES last week to help improve and hopefully maximize our reimbursements from the strike team deployments.
Police Captain, Jose Arevalos - Attended Coffee with a Cop on 5/2/25 at Shauna's Sweets located at 250 French Bar Road, good turnout. Chief Mynderup would like to host another one in a couple of months to engage with the community a bit more.
City Manager, Carl P. Simpson - Attended the Coffee with a Cop event and supports ongoing community events of this sort moving forward, with hopes of increasing attendance.
City Attorney, Josh Nelson - Governor Newsom announced today some additional efforts related to the homeless situation statewide, including a template ordinance that would have local restrictions on long- term encampments. Jackson currently has our own version of the camping ban, which will be reviewed in comparison to the State model for any benefits or good additions we may want the Council to consider once reviewed with City Manager Simpson. Vice Mayor Simmons inquired if the template is more stringent than our current code or limit us in any way, and Nelson advised this is currently under review.
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 met on 4/30/25 and there are a couple items on the agenda tonight as a result. The Motherlode Cruise Car Show is this weekend with absolutely gorgeous Chamber of Commerce weather expected. Looking forward to a great crowd and seeing all the pretty cars lining Jackson Main Street and money into the City. She expressed thanks to PW Supt. Bree Wilder for preparing the parking lots, and advised pre-registration for cars will begin on Friday 5/16/25 night in the Busi parking lot behind Mel and Fay's Restaurant. She inquired with Captain Arevalos that the "no parking" signs will be placed Wednesday afternoon, and he confirmed.
Gonsalves advised they will also be in contact with L&M Automotive in case their tow truck is needed for anyone not removing their car in time from these areas. Registration will be held at the new Chamber of Commerce location on Main Street. The Fire Department will be there with the ladder truck and flag, and volunteers ready to help park cars.
Councilmember Godde - Attended to the Amador Council of Tourism meeting last Thursday and they are asking to add a 2% increase to TOT tax for business improvement at the Board of Supervisors meeting tomorrow 5/13/25. They have requested that people come to the meeting wearing green to support this request. Attended the Kennedy Mine Foundation Board of Directors meeting and the Music at the Mine event will be at the Kennedy Mine on 5/24/25 from 5PM-9PM with a band "The House Rockers", barbeque, beer & wine.
Councilmember Sierra McLean - Absent.
Vice Mayor Simmons - Attended multiple meetings, no other report.
Mayor Steve McLean - Attended a brief arch meeting today.
May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
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. Public recognition of Amador Splashes Forward for their contribution to the Junior Lifeguard program and water safety efforts in Jackson and countywide.
Deputy City Clerk Kirkpatrick introduced Demi and Taylor from Amador Splashes Forward and expressed sincere gratitude for their contributions to the City and County supporting water safety efforts. They work with ACRA, Jackson, lone, Public Health, and Amador County in general, turning no child away in need of swim lessons. They also sponsored 5 out of the 10 new Junior Lifeguard trainings, as there were no vouchers available to support this new class. There is no reason any child in Amador County should not be able to take swim lessons. Between the Kids Plates grant funds through Amador County Public Health and the support of Amador Splashes Forward, filling in the gaps in funding, swim lessons are available to all local youth. b. Public Hearing: Second reading and possible adoption 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.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to waive the second reading and adopt 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 May 12, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves
NOES: None
ABSENT: Sierra McLean
ABSTAIN: None
Vice Mayor Simmons advised Chief Pidgeon of early morning fire hazard prevention efforts across the street from his home and Mr. Garcia stated the City of Jackson was paying for it. PW Supt Wilder advised the City is not paying for that. Garcia received an early fire hazard weed abatement letter from Deputy City Clerk Kirkpatrick, and they jumped on it and eliminated the fire hazard concerns on their property. While Mr. Garcia likely was not aware they were going to start that early in the day.
May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
c. Façade Grant Policy Change Request by the Economic Development Committee.
City Manager Simpson advised the Economic Development Committee recently discussed this item and would like to request Council remove the $2500 matching funds requirement for the Façade Grant to incentivize for activity. Over the past two years, only two separate applications have been submitted utilizing this grant and they would like to encourage more participation to improve Jackson's overall look and storefronts. Other cities have removed the matching funds requirement and had positive results.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
Councilmember Godde inquired if there are two Councilmembers on the committee and Councilmember Gonsalves confirmed.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments.
Travis Williams (Business Owner/Kitchen Store) - Stated any improvements like this are a great idea. He spoke with City Manager Simpson about this and he and the Historic Jackson Business Association (HJBA) also think this is a fantastic idea to promote more improvements. It can be tough for small businesses and any improvements to make Main Street look better, whether it be paint, signage, awnings, etc. it can make a phenomenal impact.
City Manager Simpson requested consideration of the putting a cap on the annual amount to be provided for the Façade Grant. Councilmember Gonsalves advised higher grant amounts have been approved by Council in the past, which she would like to continue. Simpson clarified he is seeking a cap for the entire program for the year, so merchants are encouraged to apply early (first come, first served). Currently the cap is set at $15,000. Simpson advised $30,000 would be an affordable cap per the budget.
Marilyn Lewis (Resident) - Stated this was established for established business owners and not new businesses. She supports removing the $2500 match but requests not to place a limit.
Mayor McLean and Councilmember Gonsalves support revisiting the cap each year.
City Manager Simpson wants to continue to evaluate participation from the merchants following this change, and potentially revisit proactive enforcement of property maintenance standards down the line (if needed). A new ordinance may need to be considered down the line to support increased enforcement, which can be discussed later.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to approve removal of the matching applicant funds of $2500 to qualify for the Façade Grant and cap the annual budget at $30k, dated May 12, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Vice Mayor Simmons, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves,
NOES: None
May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
d. Updated Façade Grant Improvement Program Application: Pizza Factory 525 Highway 49 #1 $2500; matching funds request.
Deputy City Clerk Kirkpatrick provided an update on the questions posed by Council the last time this request came forth. Council had requested an itemized cost report for the project which is provided, and staff was able to confirm there is no corporate backing for the location.
Building Inspector BJ Wallace approved the applicant moving forward with completing the sign project prior to approval of the grant due to the long delay, and this application is simply seeking to reimburse them for the $2500 façade grant they previously requested.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments.
Marilyn Lewis (Resident) - She stated the funds are for improvement of a project rather than a new business coming in. She stated Pizza Factory has it's own backing and the funds should be reserved for businesses that are already established.
Mayor McLean advised this question came up at the last meeting and the applicant is not backed by the franchise company.
Deputy City Clerk Kirkpatrick advised the applicant did meet all the requirements for the Façade Grant, which has been evaluated by the City Planner and Building Inspector prior to bringing it to Council for approval. While they are a new business, they do not have the financial backing of the corporate Pizza Factory. The Façade Grant is meant to improve the façade of buildings. They are in an old building and improving the current condition where they are located with new signage.
Marilyn Lewis inquired why the applicant is not present tonight. Kirkpatrick advised they are not required to attend the meeting to apply or be approved. Marilyn stated the grant is for façade improvements. Mayor McLean inquired if we have a definition for façade improvement and Kirkpatrick confirmed it is covered in the Façade Grant application.
Councilmember Gonsalves inquired if the façade improvement guidelines are in the application information in the agenda packet tonight. Kirkpatrick pulled up the application information on the large screen for the audience to fully view.
Mayor McLean advised the Façade Grant itself can be revisited or changed at a future date if they want to fine tune it for future applications, though this current applicant does meet all of the current requirements. Councilmember Godde agreed if this were a brand-new building he would agree with public comment, but Pizza Factory is in an old building so he approves.
Mayor requests a motion.
May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve the Façade Grant fund request for $2500 to Pizza Factory dated May 12, 2025 as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves
NOES: None
ABSENT: Sierra McLean
ABSTAIN: None
e. First reading of Ordinance No. 736 Amending Title 12 of the Jackson Municipal Code to Include Chapter 12.16 Related to Prohibiting Leaking Vehicles and Other Obstructions and Litter on Public Property.
City Manager Simpson advised City Hall has had a number of leaking vehicles in the parking garage that have required staff response to clean up. This ordinance provides the Police Department with more authority to require the vehicles to be fixed or moved off of City property if they are leaking and causing a nuisance.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
Councilmember Godde advised that he has seen leaking vehicles on City streets that, if set too long, will start to cause degradation.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to waive first reading and move to second reading of Ordinance No. 736 Amending Title 12 of the Jackson Municipal Code to include Chapter 12.16 Related to Prohibiting Leaking Vehicles and Other Obstructions and Litter on Public Property dated May 12, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves
NOES: None
ABSENT: Sierra McLean
ABSTAIN: None
Discussion and potential adjustment to City Council Compensation and/or benefits.
City Manager Simpson advised this follows up salary study implementation for staff. Inquiries on Council compensation have come in regarding their stipends and benefits. The included chart shows where each Councilmember currently sits. Ione and Sutter Creek do no offer benefits. Ione offers only a $200 stipend. Sutter Creek provides a $240 stipend, and $300 for the Mayor.
Councilmember Sierra McLean advised City Manager Simpson and she has no issue with her compensation at this time, and is supportive of whatever the Council decides.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Godde advised that he would like to see more equality in the stipends and benefits.
Godde pointed out that the listed amount for medical benefits in the attachment to the memo state he receives $303.37 in medical benefits, which is inaccurate. That listed amount is his retirement medical and he receives no medical benefits as a result of his Councilmember status. He stated the annual cost to the City for the Mayor is equal to $1500. One Councilmember cost the City $46,697.64. He, himself, costs the City $2,180.40. Another Councilmember costs the City $14,271.36, and the last one costs $955.20. He stated there has to be a better way to make this more equitable.
Mayor McLean stated he is open to having additional reviews to produce something more equitable, though he is happy with his stipend/medical. He also stated that inequitable stipend/medical could be a possible deterrent to other interested parties in participating in City Council in the future so it is worth looking into.
Councilmember Gonsalves requested Finance Manager Dalacie Blankenship to come up to confirm the medical changes that occurred within the last few years. Blankenship advised the cap was supposed to be $350 towards Council medical, but the previous City Manager decided not to put one Councilmember on the medical and have the City reimburse the Councilmember for their medical insurance expenses directly because it was less expensive than putting them on the City medical.
Mayor McLean requested staff to revisit the stipends and medical to bring back to a future meeting for further discussion.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none. *Mayor McLean advised Stan Lukowicz was stated to have passed away on this date.
8. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
9. CLOSED SESSION.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -EXISTING LITIGATION (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9) Name of case: Mackey v. City of Jackson, Amador Superior Court, Case No. 23CV13470
10. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
ATTEST:
5/27/25
Carleen Kirkpatrick, Deputy City Clerk Date Approver