CITY OF
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CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
January 26, 2026
Mayor and Council Members
Chad Simmons, Mayor
Steve McLean, 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
There was a technical issue, and Mayor Simmons called the meeting to order at 6:51 p.m.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Mayor Simmons moved Discussion Calendar Item 6b to the Consent Calendar.
Motion to Approve the City Council Agenda dated January 12, 2026, as amended. Moved by Vice Mayor Steve McLean, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 5 to 0 vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, 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.
John Irving, a member of the Amador County Homeless Task Force- Handed out some literature to the council and provided an update on the privately funded Safe Parking Area being proposed in the City of Jackson, that would provide a designated, safe place for homeless individuals to sleep and to reduce homelessness on city streets. The site would be located on approximately two acres of private land about ½ mile south ofRaley's Grocery Store off Highway 49 and would require no zoning changes, no city permits, and no public funding. Property owners would retain full control over participation, limiting use to vetted Amador County residents, allowing pets, and requiring signed hold harmless agreements.
Planned improvements include a gravel access road_ and parking area, fencing, solar lighting, and portable sanitation, with support from the faith-based community. Organizers hope to have the site operational by this spring as a community-based, non-government solution to local homelessness.
Amanda Babcock - Spoke in support of the Safe Parking Program, drawing on her own experience with housing instability and relying on a vehicle as a last form of shelter. She emphasized that people do not choose vehicle living for convenience, but because sudden life events can make housing unaffordable January 26, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
even for those who are working and trying to regain stability. She noted that designated safe parking programs reduce strain on law enforcement, emergency services, and city resources by providing visibility, accountability, and fewer emergency calls or citations. Mandy highlighted that having a legal and safe place to rest creates stability, allowing people to maintain employment, attend appointments, and work toward permanent housing, while also being far more cost-effective than repeated emergency or enforcement responses. She concluded that the program balances compassion with responsibility and helps make the community safer and more orderly for everyone.
Craig Hall - Spoke in support of the Safe Parking Program, sharing insights from the recent Point-in-Time Census of Amador County's unhoused residents conducted under HUD guidelines. He emphasized that the vast majority of the county's homeless are longtime local residents, many living with physical disabilities, and that most are not involved in serious criminal activity or substance abuse. Craig noted that safe parking programs can reduce emergency room visits, ambulance calls, mental health crises, law enforcement and towing costs, citations, and nuisance complaints, while improving public perception. He highlighted research showing that many safe parking participants have income or employment, exit to permanent housing faster than shelter users, and require fewer public services when stabilized early. He concluded that while homelessness is a serious crisis, the Safe Parking Program represents a practical, compassionate first step toward meaningful action.
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 the January 12, 2026 Meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $326,911.86. c. Consideration and possible approval of Resolution No. 2026-04 Adopting the City Investment Policy for 2026.
d. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-05 a Lot Line Adjustment for St. Sava Mission and Withrow Family Trust.
The Consent Calendar Item was inadvertently left out of the discussion and subsequently not voted on.
All items will be on the next Regular City Council Meeting Agenda.
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 - Reported that the sewer truck bid request has been advertised and will close February 2nd.
The large circular slide at Detert Park has been closed due to safety concerns; staff will meet with a playground equipment vendor to review replacement options and costs.
Noise complaints at the Tesla charging station are under investigation; the city building inspector has contacted Tesla, and a technician response is pending.
Staff continue to work on priority CIP sewer projects for potential inclusion in the upcoming budget.
Several water line breaks were reported, including a major break on Highway 88 near Kirkpatrick's and additional breaks on Elizabeth Street and near Kennedy Flat; most repairs are complete, with remaining Januarv 26, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
work expected to be completed by Thursday or Monday pending utility marking and parts availability.
Mayor Simmons asked whether smaller leaks are also addressed. Bree confirmed all leaks are responded to and noted staff actions to expedite repairs and control costs, including weekend response, off-site spoil removal, and personally obtaining parts to accelerate repairs.
Fire Chief. Ryan Pidgeon - Shared that the Jackson Hook and Ladder Association held its annual Firefighter Appreciation Dinner on Saturday at the Highway House. Brennan Chadwick received the David Cardella Most Dedicated Member Award for responding to the most incidents in the past year, and Engineer Rob Craig was named Firefighter of the Year by his peers.
Additionally, Joseph Mondani was hired as a full-time firefighter to replace Daniel Fishback and will begin on February 3rd; he is a Jackson local and is very excited to join the team.
Police Chief. Chris Mynderup - Reported that the department completed its annual POST audit on January 20th and received an A+ rating. POST reviewed mandated training and background investigations, including one for Officer Winston Johnson, which was conducted by Reserve Officer Harmon and found to be fully compliant. Shared that all officers are current on required training.
In addition, Officers Boling and Johnson completed the 80-hour ICI Investigations Core Course, which covers fundamental investigative skills and allows officers to pursue specialized training areas. The course is provided at no cost to the department aside from travel and meals. The department's goal is to have all officers complete this training to strengthen investigative capabilities and enhance service to the community.
City Manager, Carl P. Simpson -Attended the ARCH meeting that the Mayor and the Vice Mayor also attended. The project is moving along well, and the council may soon see a rendering that is close to the final design. They have also built up a strong balance of funds toward construction and appear to be ahead of schedule, which is encouraging. Looking forward to seeing what the council thinks as this moves forward.
Also thanked Chief Pigeon for the invitation to the Firefighter Appreciation Dinner. It was his third year attending, and said the food was excellent as always. More importantly, he truly appreciated b�ing included in the camaraderie and support shown among the firefighters.
City Attorney. Josh Nelson -Just a reminder that the filing for the Form 700 process has started. They are due by April 1st. Asked the council to reach out if they have any questions.
5. 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 - Planned to attend the appreciation dinner for the fire department, but came down with a bout of food poisoning, so had to stay home. Said the Economic Development Committee will be meeting this Wednesday at 1 :30 in the Civic Center.
Council member Godde -Attended the Firefighter Appreciation Dinner and thanked the Chief for inviting him and his wife. Said it was a very special event and his first time attending.
Also attended the cemetery meeting on the 14th along with volunteering to help clean up the cemetery last Saturday. He gave a shout out with special thanks to Jim Wilson, Steve Jones, his wife Judy, and Laurie and Dale Fishback, who also attended the cleanup. Said Laurie and Dale consistently go above and January 26. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
beyond, arriving early, staying late, and doing outstanding work.
Went to the Open Hands and Open Hearts group last Friday at 5:00pm at Petkovich Park. They were serving spaghetti dinner to the unhoused neighbors. Believe's it is important for the city and community groups like this to work together moving forward.
Councilmember Sierra McLean -Attended an air resource meeting. Nothing came up pertaining to Jackson.
Vice Mayor McLean -Attended the Chamber mixer on the 14th , which was held at Glass Doctor, and said
it was a lot of fun.
He attended the Planning Commission meeting on the 20th, where Saloon 1848's Conditional Use Permit was reviewed and discussed.
Attended the ARCH meeting on the 22nd with the Mayor, Carl, and others, and said the meeting went well.
Worked behind the scenes with several local restaurants to help track down a sister city wine produced in Bosnia that references the sister cities of Davinia and Jackson, as they were interested in carrying it locally.
Shared that he also attended the Firefighter Appreciation Dinner, and said it was a great event.
Mayor Simmons - Attended an Amador Community Foundation meeting, an ARCH meeting, and the Firefighter Appreciation Dinner, congratulating Brennan Chadwick and Rob Craig, and noting the wellreceived and lighthearted slideshow presentation.
He also attended a Chamber mixer and the Chamber installation, as well as a dinner meeting with Senator Alvarado-Gil to discuss legislative matters.
6. DISCUSSION CALENDAR.
a. Conduct a public hearing regarding the Brownfield Cleanup Grant Application for proposed remediation of the Oro de Amador Property.
Susan Peters -City contracted Environmental and Land Use Planner reported that the Remedial Action Plan for the Oro de Amador project was previously approved under the California Fire and Water Quality Act, identifying measures to address site contaminants, including capping tailings and incorporating a future regional park concept. Following completion of the environmental review, staff and the project consultant prepared an EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant application, which is due Friday.
The EPA requires a public hearing with a 14-day notice period, prompting the hearing date of the 26th. The hearing is to allow the public to comment on the grant application, which is available online and included in the meeting packet. It does not address final remediation design or park plans. The total estimated remediation cost is approximately $8 million; the grant request is for $4 million, which would fund a portion of the remediation if awarded.
Mayor Simmons opened the Public Hearing for comments, hearing none he closed the Public Hearing.
No action was taken since this public hearing was only to get comments from the public. e. Possiele approYal of faQade lmproYement Application Laughton's on Main Sig'fl update.
This 'item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
c. Review of Council Member Independent Departmental Assignments.
January 26. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Simmons opened the item for council discussion and stated that this is a process previously done several years ago and noted that council members will meet with assigned departments to receive feedback and report back to the council and City Manager Simpson. The council reviewed the independent department assignments and decided they will rotate yearly to provide broader exposure to different departments and projects.
City Manager Simpson noted that the department assignments provide an opportunity to hear directly from line staff about operations, challenges, and ideas, and added that the process could also serve as a positive morale booster for departments.
Suggested Assignments:
Public Works -Council Member Godde
Wastewater Treatment Plant- Mayor Simmons
Police Department - Council Member Gonzalves
Fire Department -Vice Mayor Steve McLean
Administration -Council Member Sierra McLean
Motion to Approve the Council Member Independent Departmental Assignments as suggested.
Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 5 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
None
None
7. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Simmons adjourned the regular meeting at 7:22 p.m. and went into Closed Session.
8. 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. 23-CV-13061
9. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Simmons adjourned Closed Session at 7:30 p.m. with no reportable action.
ATTEST:
Date Approved