CITY OF
CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
JACKSON June 9, 2025
LIFORNIA
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 Sierra McLean, Council Member Bree Wilder, Public Works Superintendent Ryan Pidgeon, Fire Chief
ABSENT: None 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.
Motion to approve the City Council Agenda dated June 9, 2025 as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 5 to 0 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.
Marilyn Lewis (Resident) - Stated she was arrested on Friday night for battery, an incident she attributes to spraying water on a neighbor's fence in response to ongoing issues with open burning. She alleged that the neighbor has been burning materials in what she described as a fire pit, not a barbecue, creating hazardous smoke that affects both her and the neighborhood. She stated that she has asthma and a heart condition and has repeatedly asked the neighbor to stop burning due to health concerns, but received no meaningful response. She noted the neighbor has erected an approximately eight-foot fence, which she believes to be illegal and obstructive. The resident expressed frustration with the perceived lack of enforcement from local law enforcement and reported that although the jail initially refused to admit her due to high blood pressure, she was ultimately taken to the hospital, incurring medical costs. She emphasized that she is 76 years old and believes the battery charge resulting from the fence-spraying incident is unjust. Marilyn added an additional concern about a staffing decision regarding the homeless shower program. She noted that a new position was created and filled at a rate of $20 per hour, while Jim McCarthy had been making $17 per hour was let go due to budgetary constraints. She questioned how budget considerations justify replacing a $17-per-hour employee with someone earning $20 per June 9, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
hour, especially during a six-month probationary period. She also expressed disappointment that the Chief was not present to address her concerns.
Mary Pulskamp (Resident/Business Owner) - Stated her support for Jim and stated the population at the shower program has great respect for him. She thanked the City for the beautiful music upgrades on Main Street, as well as removing the parking meter posts. She requested the flagpole holes be cleaned out from time to time.
Mayor McLean encouraged her to check out the experimental "Historic Main Street" banner on the light pole near the Firehouse.
Tyx Pulskamp (Resident) - Expressed appreciation for Jackson Main Street getting some love. Shared a personal story of growing up in Amador County and tolerance and injustice. Tyx is on the Subcommittee for the Amador County Homeless Task Force and stated that since 2018, he has helped lead efforts such as the annual Homeless Resource Fair, which took place in May at Detert Park. He noted that 37 agencies, clubs, churches, and businesses participated, providing services such as haircuts, meals, and access to housing, employment, and healthcare resources. He expressed appreciation for the City's mobile shower program, which participated for the first time, and credited staff for their advocacy and outreach. He emphasized the importance of community engagement in such events and presented a donation of approximately 30 pairs of shower shoes for the City's program. He encouraged the City to participate more actively in future events, possibly by sponsoring the use of the park or supporting promotional items like T-shirts.
Laura Mattley (Resident) - Expressed concerns about 508 N Main Street, alleging this neighbor repeatedly violates local burn regulations by frequently burning materials, including what she believes to be garbage, producing large plumes of smoke—reportedly reaching 50 feet in the air-which she said have disrupted her household, particularly during the nights of June 7th and 8th. She further alleged that calls to both the police and fire departments have been made by multiple neighbors and expressed dissatisfaction with how the Jackson Police Department responded, stating she found the situation disturbing. Ms. Mattley stated she has lived in the neighborhood for 52 years and believes this individual's actions have escalated over time, impacting residents' ability to sleep or enjoy being outdoors due to ongoing smoke and odors.
Jose Arevalos (Jackson Police Captain) - Responded to comments made during public comment and clarified that he could not speak in detail about the case involving Ms. Lewis, as it remains open.
However, he stated that the claim that only one side of the story was taken by Jackson Police is inaccurate. He explained that body camera footage exists and has been forwarded to the City Manager, along with a synopsis of the incident. Due to the ongoing nature of the case, not all details can be publicly disclosed. He emphasized that perception can differ from what actually occurred and noted that body camera footage often provides clarity. He explained that in misdemeanor cases not witnessed by law enforcement, officers speak only to individuals directly involved in the incident, not to unrelated neighbors regarding other disputes or personal history. Arevalos stated that officers entered the backyard in question and did not find evidence of garbage being burned, reaffirming that the Jackson Police Department conducted a thorough professional investigation and defended the actions of the responding officer. Captain Arevalos encouraged Ms. Lewis and members of the City Council to visit his office - open Tuesday through Friday—to review the footage and assess the situation independently.
June 9, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Marilyn Lewis spoke out of turn and stated she was never questioned by Jackson Police and started to make statements about what was stated to her by the officer in response to a neighbor calling in.
City Attorney Josh Nelson advised Mayor McLean to end continued discussion on this item as it is not agendized and cannot be discussed during this meeting. Ms. Lewis requested the item be added to a future agenda for discussion. Lewis then stated she did use foul language with the officer. Another neighbor stood up and stated she reported the burning to the Jackson Police and made the initial complaint in 2023. She stated she has video of Marilyn Lewis' arrest and did not agree with the JPD response. She also stated on May 28, 2025 California passed a state law banning burning of all wood in fire pits.
City Attorney Nelson advised to end public comment due to continued discussion of an item not on the agenda.
City Manager Carl Simpson stated he is asking Fire Chief Pidgeon to investigate the situation further and the City may want to consider adopting another ordinance pertaining to burning inside City Limits in the future. Fire Chief Pidgeon stated he is reviewing the photographs and the burn pit is not something they typically see used for cooking.
City Attorney Nelson advised a third time to end public comment as the item is not on the agenda and they are in violation of the Brown Act. Mayor McLean closed public comment.
A couple additional comments were made by the public pertaining to possible ordinances related to burning in the historic district and smoke nuisance. Mayor McLean stated this item may need to be agendized at some point in the future.
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 May 27, 2025 meeting minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $64,455.49. c. Approval of May 2025 Payroll Expenditure Report in the amount of $495,807.42.
Receive Fire Department Monthly Report for May 2025.
e. Receive Police Department Monthly Report for May 2025. f. Receive Treasurer's Report for April 2025.
g. Approval of recommended salary increases for Fire Chief and Accounting Services IV classifications.
h. Approval of Resolution No. 2025-13 Awarding the Construction Contract for the Hoffman Patch Paving Project to Consolidated Engineering.
Councilmember Gonsalves requested clarity on whether Hoffman was a priority project this year, and PW Supt Wilder confirmed.
June 9, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar dated June 9, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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 - Mattley Hillside is a quarter of the way sprayed with shotcrete, sample looks good, pending color for final approval. The contractor had some equipment trouble which delayed start but the project is expected to complete by Friday. Jackson Pool opened over the weekend, going smoothly, and have received a lot of compliments on the new shade screens from visitors. The wastewater treatment plant roof project has begun. There are a few dry rot issues requiring a change order, and a couple hatches on the upper deck that need rebuilt, pending a cost estimate. There was a sewer plug on Broadway today across the street from City Hall. It is flowing but Public Works crew will be working on removing the stuck item completely tomorrow.
Fire Chief, Ryan Pidgeon - Fire responded to 184 calls for service in May, a little slower than last year.
Fire staff conducting diligent checks of the apparatus found a couple cracks in the rims of the two engines. Thanks to Republic Services and Johnny Plasse, those were replaced at no cost to the City through donation. Congratulations to Firefighter Kyle Judd, selected by his peers to be recognized at this year's Masonic Lodge First Responders' Recognition Dinner last Saturday. He recently completed his Firefighter I certificate and is always willing to assist and train with volunteer members. This Wednesday, Jackson Fire will be conducting a controlled burn of several acres of brush out near the radio tower near the Senior Center, and Captain Digirolamo will lead this and notify surrounding neighborhoods. Councilmember Godde inquired if the Senior Center is aware and Chief Pidgeon advised they will be notified.
Police Captain, Jose Arevalos - In May, Jackson PD reported to 918 incidents, 290 calls for service, 620 officer initiated, and took 109 police reports, as well as 68 arrests (53 misdemeanor and 15 felony).
They addressed 5 traffic collisions (1 minor injury, 4 hit and runs); 2 assault/battery, 1 assault with a deadly weapon, 29 disturbing the peace, 1 public intoxication, 5 driving under the influence, 2 child abuse investigations, 3 domestic violence cases (2 resulting in arrest), 1 coroner's case, 1 mental health detention case, 1 burglary, 2 grand petty thefts, 3 vandalisms, 1 resisting arrest, 6 drug paraphernalia possession; 281 traffic stops, 47 citations (38 infractions, 9 misdemeanors), 17 warrant cite/arrests, 249 security checks, 11 school related calls, 40 transient related contacts. Grand total of 4,206 incidents and 1,425 calls for service to date for the year. Officer Thurman was recognized for his hard work and dedication to the City of Jackson. In his one year of service with Jackson, he has made almost 300 arrests, 90 DUI's. Arevalos expressed congratulations to both Kyle Judd and Jordan Thurman.
City Attorney, Josh Nelson - No report.
June 9, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
City Manager, Carl P. Simpson - Met with two members of the Amador Community Foundation last week, Wendy Mathis and John Williamson, regarding establishing a memorial somewhere downtown for Stan Lukowicz. He advised them to possibly bring the item to Council once they have a vision.
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 - No report.
Councilmember Godde - Attended the concert in the park at Kennedy Mine and a board meeting at the Amador Senior Center, both on May 28th.
Councilmember McLean - She shared that she had a conversation with a member of the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors regarding their homeless services setup, specifically focusing on their low- barrier site, and is currently conducting further research to determine whether a similar model would be applicable for Jackson.
Mayor Steve McLean stated he spoke to Councilmember Goldstien who used to work for CalFire, who has expressed pride in a program there.
Councilmember Sierra McLean responded that the program started three to four years ago, offering a site where people are legally able to camp, and have advanced to offer a type of "halfway housing" (for lack of better terminology) and ultimately permanent housing.
Vice Mayor Simmons - Congratulated Argonaut High School girls softball for winning their section championship a couple of weeks ago, as well as Coach Bree Wilder from the A&A Shooters and asked him to elaborate on their competition. PW Supt Wilder advised they had 14 skeet shooters, and a varsity squad of three (including his daughter) took first place in the State shoot, moving them on to Nationals in Las Vegas the beginning of June. Second year IA shooters took second place, for a successful outcome overall in the State shoot. Council congratulated Wilder on A&A Shooters' success this year.
Mayor McLean - Attended the Regional Transit Mitigation Fund meeting at Amador County Transportation Commission, discussing multiple projects, including a 150-home project in Sutter Creek.
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].
Stated that she has been in the process of moving, which has prompted her to reflect on the barriers faced by the population she serves, particularly in relation to housing drawing a comparison to the challenges she has encountered with her own dogs. She expressed gratitude to Tyx and Trixie for donating shower shoes at tonight's meeting. She noted that the Homeless Resource Fair was a June 9, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
success and encouraged the City to consider waiving facility use fees for this event in the future.
Christine clarified that the individual previously responsible for managing the shower program has not been replaced. Instead, the program is currently being managed by existing part-time staff who were already scheduled, resulting in no additional cost to the City. Any questions about the previous shower attendant should be directed to the Police Chief. She also provided an update on Camp Justice, stating that the setup is unique and has recently been extended for an additional six months on a trial basis. She is monitoring the program closely as it may have implications for the local community. She noted that she is currently trying to assist two particularly vulnerable individuals- one who is blind and another who uses a wheelchair-who have no safe place to go. She expressed concern about the increased engagement of law enforcement with the unhoused population and suggested that a sanctioned, supervised, and secure camping option could be a constructive solution to address these challenges. She encouraged Councilmembers to attend the Homeless Task Force meetings, held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 4:30 PM at Social Services, where a subcommittee is actively working on plans for a sanctioned encampment. b. Second reading and possible adoption 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.
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 adopt 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 June 9, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Godde, 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
c. Consideration and possible approval of Façade Grant for the Kitchen Store [Erin Ventura, Contract Planner].
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion. Vice Mayor Simmons supported approval.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to approve the Façade Grant to The Biggest Little Kitchen Store in the amount of $2500, dated June 9, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Vice Mayor Simmons, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
June 9, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
d. Discussion on use of drones in the City of Jackson [Carl Simpson, City Manager].
City Manager Carl Simpson advised this item is brought forth at Mayor McLean's request, in response to the Sheriff's office new drone program. Drones could be useful for inspections, and/or other police/fire related activities, potentially cutting down on personnel costs.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
Mayor McLean inquired if Deputy City Clerk Kirkpatrick used this technology in Elk Grove.
Kirkpatrick advised it was used with PD to help locate and enforce fireworks violations, in partnership with Code Enforcement.
Councilmember Godde advised he has seen utility companies use drones in his area.
Vice Mayor Simmons advised he uses drones for measuring distances, saving him hours of work.
Councilmember Gonsalves advised she brought up drone use under the previous City Manager, requesting to look into costs. There is training involved, but she believes there are public safety concerns that could assist with multiple uses, such as Public Works and Building with roof inspections, Fire department, and Police with foot chases. She supports every department having a drone, cost allowing.
Mayor McLean stated the Sheriff's department has a number of drones and may be able to assist, if costs are not too high (such as with Animal Control costs). Vice Mayor Simmons is in support of Jackson having their own drone to avoid another fee to the County.
City Manager Simpson expressed gratitude to Sheriff Redman with Amador County for providing him with so much information on drones and his willingness to allow Sergeant Matt Girton (their drone expert) to assist us with information, guidance or training/licensing questions if Jackson does decide to purchase drones. Devices can cost anywhere from $1K to $60K, depending on the City's goals and expected uses. Simpson also provided an example of how drones could have been particularly useful during a large tornado in Dallas, and purchasing drones proactively rather than reactively when they are needed may be a better course of action.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments.
Tyx Pulskamp expressed support for drones. [He did not approach the podium, so further comments could not be heard.]
Review applicants and possibly appoint a new Measure E/TOT Advisory Committee member.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
Councilmember Gonsalves requested clarification from City Attorney Josh Nelson on conflict-of- interest concerns if there are three TOT committee members being part of the Chamber of Commerce and reviewing their application. Nelson advised the committee members on Chamber June 9, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
would not be able to participate in considering the Chamber's application and need to recuse themselves regardless of whether they are a paid employee or a director on the board.
Vice Mayor Simmons advised that applicant Brad Barnard verbally rescinded his application to join the committee today due to possible conflict of interest concerns.
Councilmember Gonsalves requested to leave the application period open to add two additional memhers for the committee next year, making it a seven-member committee moving forward.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments.
Thornton Consolo - Expressed preference that all members of this committee be residents of Jackson and stated Brad Barnard does not live in City limits. He expressed concern for setting a precedent for people joining other committees that do not live in City limits.
Mayor McLean advised the Cemetery Committee already allows members from outside City limits.
Thornton continued with information on a few other unrelated topics related to the County, the Amador Water Agency, politics, etc., which Council did not comment.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to appoint Jeff Votaw to the TOT/Measure E Advisory Committee, dated June 9, 2025 as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, 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
7. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m.
8. CLOSED SESSION.
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code § 54954.5(Đ)) Agency designated representatives: Carl Simpson, Josh Nelson Employee organizations (under discussion): JPFA, JPOA, SEIU
9. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
ATTEST:
6 2325
Carleen Kirkpatrick, Deputy City Clerk Date Approved