CITY OF
CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
JACKSON August 11, 2025
LIFORNIA
Mayor and Council Members John Georgette, City Clerk
Steve McLean, Mayor Josh Nelson, City Attorney (remote attendance) Chad Simmons, Vice Mayor
Connie Gonsalves, Council Member Staff Members:
Carl P. Simpson, City Manager
ABSENT: Chris Mynderup, Police Chief
Max Godde, Council Member Bree Wilder, Public Works Superintendent Sierra McLean, Council Member yan Pidgeon, Fire Chiet
Carleen Kirkpatrick, Deputy City Clerl
Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator
Daphne Parker, Pool Director
Katelyn Gregerman, Pool Manager
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.
• Recognition of Volunteer Firefighter: Brennan Chadwick. *Badge pinned by Fire Captain Robert Greathouse.
• Introduction of new employee, Permit Technician: Benjamin Diedrich.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Motion to approve the City Council Agenda dated August 11, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Vice Mayor Simmons, and carried by a 3 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves
NOES: None
ABSENT: Godde, 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.
Public comment received from Dave Drummond.
August 11, 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 July 14, 2025 meeting minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Reports in the amounts of $35,775.91 (7/28/25) & $628,142.58 (8/7/25).
c. Approval of the July 2025 Payroll Expenditure Report in the total amount of $1,278,686.59.
d. Receive May 2025 Treasurer's Reports.
e. Receive Building Department Monthly Report for July 2025.
I. Receive Fire Department Monthly Report for July 2025. g. Receive Police Department Monthly Report for July 2025. h. Receive Homeless Outreach Coordinator Report for July 2025. i. Approval of Resolution No. 2025-16 Awarding the Construction Contract for the Buena Vista Waterline Replacement Project to Wunschel & Sons, Inc. j. Approval of Resolution No. 2025-18 Accepting the Completion of the Police Department HVAC System Improvement Project, and Filing a Notice of Completion and Authorizing Recordation Therefore.
k. Approval of Façade Improvement Program Application - Jackson Cleaners - 111 Main Street in the amount of $1,125.00.
I. Receive Contract Engineer's Project Status Update report.
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar dated August 11, 2025 as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 3 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves
NOES: None
ABSENT: Godde, Sierra McLean
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.
Public Works Superintendent, Bree Wilder - Main Street traffic study scheduled for August 20, 2025.
Bid for chip seal on Main Street going out soon. Trench near Kitchen Store repaved in preparation.
Water leak on Perry Street last week was fixed, two more leaks opened up during the repair which are also patched now. Almost 90% complete with plans on Water Reservoir Project; starting grant application for construction of this project soon. Anita Street- sewer spill on Saturday 8/9/25, Public Works not notified until 8/10/25; working on numbers for the report. Reminder to the public and Council of the importance of calling City Hall (even after hours) to report sewer emergencies immediately for on-call response.
August 11, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Fire Chief, Ryan Pidgeon - Responded to 115 Hoffman Street, kitchen fire, quick response minimized damage. Damage kept to kitchen and basement. Fire responded to the Tiger Fire on 8/8/25. On duty crew originally responded and Battalion Chief A. Sharp responded later with the water tender which stayed on site for 43 hours. Saturday morning Captain Fishback and Chief Pidgeon relieved Sharp for a 24-hour shift. Hauled 60,000 gallons of water that week, supporting the pumping platforms which support crews extinguishing the fires. Rescue 4 is still out of service. Water tender placed out of service for tire replacement and other minor issues. Increase in volunteer Firefighter applications recently. Amador County Hazard Mitigation plan: Jackson portion is complete and the full plan should be completed in October 2025.
Police Chief, Chris Mynderup - First National Night Out on August Sth was a success with participation from CHP, Sheriff's Department, Jackson Fire, Probation, DA's office, Victim Witness, Operation Care, Elks Club, and Amador County Public Health. Save Mart donated 500 hot dogs. Cost Less Foods donated 10 cases of water and hot dog buns. Walmart donated hot dog buns, along with Grocery Outlet.
Raley's provided all condiments. Jackson Police Officer's Association provided bags of chips. Thanks to Officer Mark Harmon for spearheading the event. Tiger Fire: Sheriff's department requested mutual aid and PD sent three two-person units to assist with evacuations and road closures. Monique Trudeau and Gavin Mynderup stayed working until 4AM at a hard closure location.
City Manager, Carl P. Simpson - Attended National Night Out.
City Attorney, Josh Nelson - No report.
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 - Attended National Night Out. Reviewed items at the Economic Development Committee meeting last week, including the Creek Walk idea, Main Street project, and the Kennedy Mine property.
Councilmember Godde - Absent.
Councilmember Sierra McLean - Absent.
Vice Mayor Simmons - Attended the Economic Development Committee meeting and National Night Out. Been busy at the Amador County Fair.
Mayor McLean - Attended a Chamber of Commerce meeting and the Amador County Tourism meeting.
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.
August 11, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
a. Receive a verbal report from Amador County Assessor Jim Rooney on real property assessments for the City of Jackson [Jim Rooney, Amador County Assessor].
Mr. Rooney and Mr. Himmelman covered the impacts of Prop 13, noting that property tax revenues have increased while inflation rose and far outpaced population and inflation growth. City growth is limited by current boundaries; expansion of city limits could allow more development. Highway 16 development was noted. Assessment growth of 4.1% includes commercial property. The $7,000 homeowner's exemption, unchanged in decades, now provides minimal relief compared to property values. Residents were encouraged to contact the Assessor's Office for guidance on property transfers to avoid unnecessary tax increases.
b. Receive, discuss, and provide direction on verbal report of City's ongoing response to homeless issues [Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator].
Worked with Insight Housing and VA to get someone into permanent housing. Successfully worked with Social Security Disability worker at Sierra Wind to get someone qualified for the SSCI, since they are disabled; now working with MasterCare to help find placement for this person. Got a client into rehab and checked on three individuals previously placed there and they are still doing well.
Attended the Homeless Task Force meeting and there was no update on the subcommittee for the sanctioned encampment. Councilmember Godde attended the meeting. Behavioral Health Services has a building project in Sutter Hill by the Transit Center, due to the gap in funding the had to accept Title One money which disqualifies the general public from living there. They will only be able to house those with mental health issues. Prior to accepting the funding, the facility would have been able to house 75% of the building under affordable housing, but now all must go to behavior health services clients with severe mental illness (SMI). The building is expected to have 46 housing units/apartments meant for permanent housing of SMI residents only. The county does not have its own mental health evaluation facility, so individuals are sent to another county for assessment and services. Often, if unsheltered locally, they are returned without support-one example being a person dropped off in front of Safeway after 30 days. There is a need for a local "bridge" facility with ongoing services, particularly for those already connected to county behavioral health.
Homeless numbers were discussed, with reports suggesting the population is generally stable. More accurate data will come from the upcoming Point-in-Time (PIT) count, which is the standard reference. When asked about current living situations, it was reported that individuals are dispersed throughout the area.
c. Post season Pool Program update and appreciation for sponsors [Daphne Parker, Pool Director].
Ms. Parker expressed thanks to the Police and Fire Departments for their prompt response during incidents, providing safety and peace of mind to both staff and the public. Sponsors were recognized for their contributions to water safety, youth development, and community engagement: Amador Public Health (Kids Plate Grant): funded 65 swim lessons and 14 lifeguard certifications; Amador Splashes Forward: funded 24 swim lessons, 5 junior lifeguard participants; First 5 Amador/Amador Child Abuse Prevention Council: sponsored the final 3 junior lifeguard enrollments. Other notable contributions included: Amazing Carpet Cleaning- donated funds for food and supplies for Sandlot Night, provided cooking support, and helped make the snack shack event a success; Dylan Bell of Kreationz. Inks: accommodated a rushed order for lifeguard shirts, ensuring uniforms were ready on opening day.
August 11, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Introduced a new tradition at the pool: the Golden Whistle Award, created to celebrate exceptional service at the pool. This annual award honors one lifeguard who demonstrates outstanding dedication, innovation, reliability, and leadership throughout the season. This year's recipient exemplifies these qualities with incredible work ethic—always ready to go above and beyond when called upon. They also performed a successful rescue, showcasing strong preventative lifeguarding skills, constant vigilance, and quick response when recognizing an active drowning situation. Ms.
Parker introduced and awarded Gabriel Mynderup as the very first recipient of the Golden Whistle Award.
Ms. Parker stated they are incredibly proud of the collaboration, commitment, and care demonstrated by all who contributed in this season being so successful. They look forward to building on this progress and continuing the growth of the City of Jackson's Pool Program as a community cornerstone for summers to come.
d. Request for support for Pool Mural Project [Katelyn Gregerman, Pool Manager & Daphne Parker, Pool Director].
Katelyn Gregerman (Pool Manager) introduced the mural art project at the Jackson Pool entrance.
The proposed mural would be interactive and engaging for children for example, including a small hidden "Finding Nemo" character within the design. This feature would spark curiosity, encourage kids to look for familiar details, and help redirect their energy in a positive way. The mural would also serve as both beautification and a deterrent to graffiti. By transforming an exterior wall that is often targeted, it would enhance the visual environment while supporting the Keep Jackson Beautiful Initiative and the Graffiti Abatement Program. Beyond its practical benefits, the mural would make the pool area more colorful, welcoming, and family-friendly. It would encourage longer visits, greater community participation, and support for the park and playground behind the pool. As Jackson is already recognized as one of the most mural-rich cities in the county, adding a mural at the pool would continue this tradition while reinforcing the city's commitment to public art, placemaking, and community pride. Currently, the Pool Director Daphne Parker and Pool Manager Katelyn Gregerman are working to secure sponsorships to cover the cost of paints for the mural. If sponsorships do not fully fund the project, they respectfully requested that the City Council consider allocating funds to support this effort.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion.
Councilmember Gonsalves requested the City Manager to look into parks funds to support this effort and encouraged Ms. Parker and Ms. Gregerman to return to Council with costs when they have a cost report and they would be happy to help support financially.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments and received none. e. First reading of Ordinance No. 737 Adding Chapter 8.36 to Title 8 of the Jackson Municipal Code Relating to Burn Regulations.
Fire Chief Pidgeon introduced the ordinance, advising it is specifically for the regulation of open burning for the purposes of vegetation management within city limits as the City does not currently have an ordinance outlining these requirements and follows the California Fire Code to enforce. It is August 11, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
important to strengthen our enforcement activities and outlines what the City requires to keep it safe.
Much of this ordinance was structured by other municipalities and best practices found throughout the state. There were a few things in the previous permitting process that often caused some confusion and this will help ease those concerns.
Mayor McLean opened the item for council discussion and Council expressed support.
Mayor McLean asked for public comments.
Thornton Consolo and Marilyn Lewis provided public comment.
Mayor requests a motion.
Motion to waive first reading and move to second reading of Ordinance No. 737 Adding Chapter 8.36 to Title 8 of the Jackson Municipal Code Relating to Burn Regulations, dated August 11, 2025 as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 3 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves
NOES: None
ABSENT: Godde, Sierra McLean
ABSTAIN: None
f. Consideration and possible adoption of Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Budget by reference:
• Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-19 Setting a Tax Related Appropriation Limit in Compliance with Article XIIIB of the Constitution of the State of California for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
• Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-20 Approving the City Operation Budget and City Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. • Service of live duty 1, 025, in Accordance i lOpe in Boden for Chet service Ettective July 1..
2025-26 Fiscal Year.
(Budget message includes Council Strategic Goals & Objectives, FY 23/24 In Review/Team Accomplishments; FY 24/25 Budget Sheets: summary, CIP details, expenditures by fund).
City Manager Simpson reported that several budget increases are due to higher utility costs. The Council budget rose significantly, primarily because Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) funds under Council's control were directed to Capital Improvement Projects, including Main Street repaving and a traffic study.
Increases were also noted in water and pool operations, including higher lifeguard wages, additional staffing, and rising chemical costs. Salary study adjustments, liability insurance increases, and other insurance costs added to expenses; however, worker's compensation insurance decreased by $16,000, which was applied to offset other insurance costs. Simpson noted he did not know the reason for the decrease in worker's compensation costs and they are likely temporary.
August 11, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Technology investments contributed to higher costs as well, with ABSO providing new operating systems and computers over the past year. Looking forward, Simpson recommended the Council consider adjustments to TOT rates, building license fees, business license fees, and other fees that have not been updated in years. He emphasized the importance of cost recovery, particularly since there were no residential building permits issued (per the Assessor), and stressed that business attraction and retention remain critical to sustaining the tax base.
Simpson thanked the Council for its support of business retention efforts and expressed appreciation to Finance Manager Dalacie Blankenship and Accounting Manager Angelica Ervin for their work on the City budget and preparation for the upcoming audit season. He encouraged Councilmembers to direct detailed budget questions to them.
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 the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Budget by reference, through approval of Resolution No. 2025-19 Setting a Tax Related Appropriation Limit in Compliance with Article XIIIB of the Constitution of the State of California for Fiscal Year 2025-26, Resolution No. 2025-20 Approving the City Operation Budget and City Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, and Resolution No. 2025-21 Authorizing Full-Time Positions in the City Service Effective July 1, 2025, in Accordance with the Operating Budget for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year, dated August 11, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Vice Mayor Simmons, and carried by a 3 to 0 vote:
AYES: Steve McLean, Simmons, Gonsalves
NOES: None
ABSENT: Godde, Sierra McLean
ABSTAIN: None
8. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor McLean adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m.
ATTEST:
Donn 8/25/15
John Georgette, City Clerk Date Approved