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December 8. 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
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City Council Meeting Minutes
December 8, 2025
Mayor and Council Members
Steve Mclean, Mayor
Chad Simmons, Vice Mayor
Max Godde, Council Member
Connie Gonsalves, Council Member
Sierra Mclean, Council Member
ABSENT:None
John Georgette, City Clerk
Josh Nelson, City Attorney (attended remotely)
Staff Members:
Carl P. Simpson, City Manager
Chris Mynderup, Police Chief
Ryan Pidgeon, Fire Chief
Bree Wilder, Public Works Superintendent
Dana Knight, Administrative Assistant
Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator
Mayor McLean called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Motion to Approve the City Council Agenda dated December 8, 2025, as presented. Moved by Vice Chair Simmons, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 5 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
None
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. [None]
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 November 24, 2025 meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $86,744.45. c. Approval of November 2025 Payroll Expenditure Report in amount of $484,238.96. d. Receive Building Department Monthly Report for November 2025. e. Receive Fire Department Monthly Report for November 2025. f. Receive Police Department Monthly Report for November 2025. g. Creation of Per Diem / Extra Help Firefighter Positions / Job Description h. Approval of Tablet Command Agreement
December 8. 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar dated December 8, 2025 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Sierra McLean, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
None
None
4. ELECTED OFFICIAL SEATING.
a. Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor for 2026.
Mayor McLean asked for nominations for Mayor. Mayor McLean nominated Vice Mayor Simmons for Mayor. No other nominations were given.
Mayor Steve McLean nominated Vice Mayor Simmons for Mayor, seconded by Councilmember Goode, and carried by a 5 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Steve McLean, Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
None
None
Councilmember Steve McLean called for nominations for Vice Mayor. Councilmember Gonsalves nominated Councilmember Steve McLean for Vice Mayor. No other nominations were given.
Councilmember Gonsalves nominated Councilmember Steve McLean for Vice Mayor, seconded by Councilmember Sierra McLean, and carried by a 5 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
None
None
Before changing seats, Vice Mayor McLean shared that his time being mayor ofthis great city was an honor and hoped that he served it right. Spoke of positive changes on Main Street and improvements happening in the city and then turned over the seat to Mayor Simmons.
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- Stated that the Buena Vista Water Project is progressing smoothly with no issues or delays. Reported that a fire hydrant was struck Thursday night on Shopping Drive, and because the hydrant did not have a breakaway spool, the damage extended back to the water main. Public Works crews were able to shut the water off promptly. As a result of the incident, two nearby daycare facilities were temporarily closed, and several residences were issued boil water notices. The December 8, 2025 Citv Council Meeting Minutes
Amador Water Agency (AWA) assisted by providing replacement parts, and water service was restored by Friday. After required water samples were collected and cleared, the boil water notices were lifted on Sunday. A WA will be reimbursed for the parts used, and the individual responsible for striking the hydrant was identified and will be billed to recover some of the costs incurred.
Superintendent Wilder expressed appreciation to Jim Lawton and Sierra Pacific Industries for coordinating efforts to provide the City's Christmas tree, noting that their assistance greatly reduced stress and ensured timely delivery .
.Fire Chief, Ryan Pidgeon - Reported that a firefighter recently sustained a broken leg while on duty and will be out of work for an extended period of time. Mayor Simmons inquired whether the injured firefighter was a paid employee. Chief Pidgeon confirmed that the firefighter was paid staff.
He further noted that, following the Council's approval of per diem firefighter positions, several highly qualified candidates have applied, and interviews are scheduled to begin next week.
Chief Pidgeon also reported that he and staff traveled to Henderson, Nevada, last week for an initial meeting with Fire Trucks Unlimited to discuss the refurbishment of Engine 6332. During the visit, they toured the facility, which he described as very nice. He expressed enthusiasm about moving forward with the refurbishment project. The anticipated timeline for completion of the first engine is approximately June or July. Upon completion, a second engine will be transported to the facility, and the engines will be swapped accordingly.
Police Chief, Chris Mynderup - Shared that he had an enjoyable and productive visit with the Serbian Delegates from Herceg Novi. Along with Mayor McLean, he led the delegates on tours of several City departments, as well as a last-minute tour of Argonaut High School. He expressed appreciation to the school administration for accommodating the visit on short notice.
He also reported attending a meeting at Sutter Amador Hospital last Tuesday, hosted by hospital staff in coordination with Amador County Behavioral Health, regarding Senate Bill 43, which goes into effect on January 1, 2026. SB 43 expands the definition of"Gravely Disabled" under Section 5150 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. Previously, a person could be held if they were a danger to themselves or others, or gravely disabled due to mental illness. Under the new definition, gravely disabled status may also be based on a substance abuse disorder. Additionally, the definition has expanded from an inability to provide food, clothing, and shelter to include an inability to provide for personal safety or necessary medical care.
He stated that hospitals have expressed significant concern regarding implementation, noting that emergency rooms could quickly reach capacity under the expanded criteria, and there are currently insufficient beds to meet potential demand. He further expressed concern about unresolved questions, including whether a 5150 hold continues after a person has been medically stabilized.
Vice Mayor McLean commented that little forethought appears to have been given to funding for this legislation, and Chief Mynderup agreed. Additional questions were raised regarding responsibility for care once medical needs are addressed and how situations will be handled if an individual refuses medical treatment.
Lastly, it was reported that on Tuesday, Detective Hopper and Records Clerk Tinson staffed the Jackson Police Foundation table at the Giving Tuesday event to raise funds for the Jackson Police Cadet Program, the D.A.R.E. Program, National Night Out, and Celebrate Our Children programs.
Appreciation was extended to Mayor Simmons for his generous donation in support of these efforts.
City Attorney, Josh Nelson - Updated the council about new legislation which takes effect in January, that will require them to take new training related to financial awareness and oversight, that will need to be completed in two years. Once the training is completed the first time, it will be part December 8. 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
of the rotation along with ethics training and sexual harassment avoidance training. He is working with Cal cities and other organizations to get a better understanding as to who will be the best person to provide this training and resources, but it's anticipated it will be CPA financial advisor type folks.
City Manager. Carl P. Simpson - Reported that, at the last Council meeting, he was granted authority to utilize Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) funds to support the visiting delegation. He stated that not all receipts have been received at this time, but he will provide a full accounting of the total amount spent at the next Council meeting.
Mr. Simpson apologized for being out sick and missing the day the delegates visited. He expressed appreciation to Chief Mynderup for stepping in on his behalf and thanked Dana and Dalacie for their excellent work coordinating meals and ensuring all necessary arrangements were in place.
He also reported attending Christmas Delights, noting that the event went well overall. However, he received a complaint from Teresa's, which indicated that their business experienced a financial impact during the event. He requested that, for future events, staff and event organizers work to improve signage and logistics to ensure that no businesses are negatively impacted while others benefit along Main Street.
6. COUNCIL REPORTS.
This section is to provide Council members an opportunity to present reports on their activities and to request items be placed on future agendas.
Councilmember Gonsalves -Dressed up like an "Elf on the Shelf' with pointy ears and pointy toes for Christmas Delights, and got so many positive reactions from children, with one asking her to tell Santa what they wanted and another running up and hugging her. Attended Friday night, and the town looked wonderful and vibrant, and thinks the Economic Development Committee did a fabulous job putting it all together. Felt that with the Merchants' Association and the Chamber, partnering together, it just came together beautifully and should be very proud of it. Attended the Serbian delegate luncheon and thought it was cool meeting and visiting with people from another country and hearing them talk that they have 35 people on their council. When she asked them how they ever decide on something, she was told that after a lot of arguing, they come to decisions. Said that it was an honor to meet the people and to share stories.
Councilmember Godde -Attended Christmas Delights with his wife on Friday and was very impressed with the way downtown looked. Saw a lot of people volunteering and helping and stated that the Chamber of Commerce did an awesome job doing their part, and it was a neat experience.
Mayor Simmons thanked Councilmember Godde and his wife for helping him and his wife, Erika, load up and deliver the Christmas trees on Sunday.
Councilmember Sierra McLean-Not able to attend Christmas Delights this year, due to getting tboned on Thanksgiving on the way home, so was recovering from that. Shared that she was able to attend the luncheon with the delegates from Herceg Novi and like Councilmember Gonsalves, it was a really great experience to be able to discuss how their government system runs and the differences and a lot of similarities that we share with them. She is looking forward to seeing the relationship between the countries and our cities grow.
Vice Mayor McLean - Attended a Chamber mixer on the 12th and went to Mexico and didn't get back until just before Thanksgiving. Spoke of his and City Manager Simpson's trip to Herceg Novi when they met the folks over there in the country of Montenegro and that he was with them for December 8, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
several of the days that they were here. Felt that they had a lot of fun and relationships were built.
Pointed to their city flag hanging up behind the chambers and is hoping to get the mayor from Trivigno, from the country of Bosnia, over here. Said the mayor couldn't get his visa in time for this trip, but if we can get him over here, we'll have their flag up here as well, because we are sister cities. Shared with the audience that we are sister cities with them because of our Serbian church here. It was the first Serbian church built in Northern America, so, their ancestors from those two cities came here in the mid-1800s to work in the gold mines and they still have family members here. Said they felt it was important to build these relationships with them.
Mayor Simmons -Have been busy doing Christmas Delight stuff and also attended the luncheon.
Was a little late but sat with a lady who was a councilmember who said they have thirty-five members and three political parties to deal with. She said there is a leading party and two parties under them, and it can be a battle to get things done. Mayor Simmons said he is grateful that we are not party related here.
7. DISCUSSION CALENDAR.
a. Announcement and award to winning non-profit for the "Festival of Trees" contest [Erika Simmons, Economic Development Committee].
Economic Development Committee (EDC) Member Erika Simmons welcomed attendees to the Second Annual Festival of Trees Awards Presentation, proudly hosted by the EDC. She explained that the festive event celebrates creativity, community spirit, and the holiday season through beautifully decorated Christmas trees created by local nonprofit organizations.
Mrs. Simmons reported that all 22 fully decorated trees were delivered to local families in need following the event. She expressed appreciation to the many individuals and organizations who assisted with the delivery of the trees.
She further reported that during the Christmas Delights event, nearly 2,500 votes were cast by members of the public for their favorite trees. The top three award recipients, along with their vote totals, were announced as follows:
Second Runner-Up (212 votes): Nexus Youth and Family Services - Disney-themed tree.
First Runner-Up (239 votes): Delta Prevention-Nightmare Before Christmas-themed tree.
Best of Show (298 votes): Amador County Sheriffs Foundation - Barbies and Hot Wheels-themed tree.
Mrs. Simmons congratulated all award recipients and expressed sincere appreciation to all 22 participating nonprofit organizations, noting that their contributions continue to foster community pride and holiday cheer in Jackson. She stated that she looks forward to even more creativity and festive spirit at next year's Festival of Trees.
b. Receive, discuss and provide direction regarding (verbal) report from the Homeless Outreach Coordinator regarding the City's response to homeless issues [Christine Platt].
Ms. Platt reported that the program serves 79 active clients and that 54 clients were exited during the reporting period, including 20 placed in permanent housing, 19 reunited with family, 7 exited due to loss of contact, 6 who returned to homelessness by choice, and 4 whose last known destination was rehabilitation. Noted ongoing challenges related to limited shelter capacity and the absence of a sanctioned location for unsheltered individuals. Reported that six exited clients returned to homelessness by choice, while four exited to rehabilitation and did not return to homelessness. Also noted that HUD has rescinded the recent NOFO due to legal challenges and is expected to revise and reissue it, with concerns about potential impacts to housing funding and homelessness levels.
December 8. 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Shared that the Homeless Task Force Subcommittee continues to work on a safe overnight parking proposal and highlighted a significant lack of shelter capacity, noting that Amador County has approximately 30 total shelter beds, most of which are full and restricted. She also noted ongoing state budget constraints, which may shift more responsibility to local governments, and emphasized the need for increased local revenue to support City services and public safety.
Expressed concern that recent policy changes are too abrupt for local agencies to implement, contributing to injunction filings and potentially impacting hospital operations and SB 43 implementation, particularly regarding substance use disorder holds under 5150. Noted that expanded requirements were adopted without adequate placement options, creating service gaps.
Council Members expressed appreciation for Ms. Platt's presentation, noting that it was informative and helpful in understanding her current workload and challenges. Council requested additional information regarding client contact efforts, including the number of contact attempts made and general outcomes. Ms. Platt agreed to providing that information in the future. c. Receive presentation regarding tobacco education for Program 15B (Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing) in the Amador General Plan.
Fernando Gutierrez with Amador County Public Health, gave a presentation on the General Plan of Amador County as it relates to the 7 elements that all jurisdictions are required to include in their General Plan. They are Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Conservation, Open Space, Noise and Safety. Within Amador County's Housing Element exists Program 15B and is funded by Prop 99 and 56. This program states the methods that will need to be reviewed to reduce secondhand smoke exposure. He went on to describe the three methods of implementation: Consideration of a smoke free ordinance, targeted education to landlords and tenants and targeted outreach to landlords. Said his goal tonight is to provide the council with education to assist them with implementation of Program 15B, and he stated statistics on secondhand smoke, deaths related to smoking, its addictiveness and no freedom of choice from secondhand smoke exposure. Shared that implementing policies in tenant housing can reduce lawsuits related to fires caused by cigarettes and health problems in people. After council discussion on possible enforcement litigation from property owners, the creation of smoking areas by business owners, and the fact that Detert Park has signage up, the city manager was asked to look into our policies to see if they need to be updated or if more enforcement is needed with more signage.
d. Review of City Council Committee Assignments.
Mayor Simmons stated that, with the closure of ACRA, he will have one fewer committee assignment. He also noted uncertainty as to whether the City will have a seat on the LAFCO Board this year. Following discussion, all Council Members agreed to review their current committee assignments. It was consensus that this item will be brought back to the Council for formal consideration and action at the January 12, 2026, City Council meeting. e. Transfer and Maintenance Agreement with DTSC for the Sutter Street Project.
Mayor Simmons asked Public Works Supervisor Wilder to explain where we are with this project.
Mr. Wilder stated that this Sutter Street project started a few years ago, going from Vogan to the library, and is now complete. They are doing one little change that wasn't expected, but this agreement transfers this drainage pipe over to the city and the city now owns it.
Mayor Simmons asked for Public Comment and hearing none called for a motion.
Motion to transfer and accept the Maintenance Agreement/or the Sutter Street Project by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Vice Mayor McLean and carried by a 5 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
December 8, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Simmons, Steve McLean, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
None
None
8. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Simmons adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
ATTEST:
Date Approved