CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2026
Mayor and Council Members
Chad Simmons, Mayor
Steve McLean, Vice Mayor
Max Godde, Council Member
Sierra McLean, Council Member
ABSENT:
Connie Gonsalves, Council Member
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
Dana Knight, Administrative Assistant
Mayor Simmons called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. After he led the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Simmons asked for a Moment of Silence for former Council Member Wade Selman. Mr. Selman served on the council for 16 years and was mayor from 1984 through 1988. Mayor Simmons spoke of a few of his accomplishments, which included acquiring the Jackson Water Works, redoing the pool and his work at Detert Park. Mr. Selman's son Derek spoke of the love his dad had for the community of Jackson, and thanked Mayor Simmons for honoring his dad in this way.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Motion to Approve the City Council Agenda dated February 23, 2026, as presented. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Counci/member Sierra McLean, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Godde, Sierra McLean
None
Gonsalves
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.
Supervisor Logan Carnell (Amador County Homeless Task Force Member) - Spoke of homelessness being a major concern expressed by voters when he ran for public office. He explored potential solutions guided by three key community sentiments: dissatisfaction with the status quo, financial strain without interest in additional taxes, and concern over individuals profiting from homelessness efforts. After joining the Homeless Task Force and consulting with a wide range of stakeholders, a plan was developed that required no taxpayer funding and allowed no one to profit. The proposal relied solely on a landowner donating space, with the faith-based community funding the remaining needs. The Laughton family agreed to participate despite the personal cost. However, after the plan was publicly presented and inaccurately reported, they received both public and private threats to their livelihood. As a result, he determined he could no longer ask for their involvement. While grateful for their willingness to help, the plan has now been indefinitely canceled.
February 23, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
Trisha Kleinert (Jackson Resident)- Supported the cancellation of the proposed campground but expressed concern about the lack of transparency, noting residents only learned of it through a newspaper notice.
She requested a formal notification process to ensure neighbors are informed and able to provide input on any future adjacent developments.
Jason Alga (Jackson Resident) - Questioned whether the proposed safe parking or campground project has truly been halted and expressed concern that similar plans could move forward without public review. He asked whether future proposals would require permits and city oversight rather than being implemented privately. He also raised concerns about long-term impacts and emphasized the need for transparency and public input before any such project proceeds.
Ann Upshaw, (Jackson Resident) - Shared that she is a longtime resident and has raised her family in the community, and expressed support for local events and music, even when loud, but voiced strong opposition to allowing unsupervised homeless individuals to reside in Jackson. She raised concerns about public safety, mental illness, substance abuse, and impacts on children and families. She questioned whether the proposal in discussion would move forward and urged the City not to pursue similar actions in the future without a larger-scale, supervised shelter solution. She suggested expanding the existing homeless shelter using county tax funds rather than permitting dispersed or unmanaged situations. She also expressed concern about how the issue was communicated, emphasizing that Jackson deserves transparency and careful consideration moving forward.
Rich Kleinert (Jackson Resident) - Stated that he and others learned of the proposal informally and expressed concern based on prior experiences in Santa Cruz, where expanded homeless services led to growing encampments and community impacts. He voiced worries about potential effects on neighborhood safety and property values and urged that future decisions take into account the interests and stability of existing residents.
Mayor Simmons stated that the City of Jackson has adopted a No Camping Ordinance, meaning camping is not permitted within city limits. He further clarified that a recent report in the Ledger Dispatch was inaccurate in stating that the City had passed or approved of the matter in question. He explained that it was only a public comment and did not require a response or action from the City and no vote was taken.
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. *Consent Calendar Items from January 26, 2026 City Council Meeting Agenda 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.
e. Approval of Fa9ade Improvement Program Application- Laughton's on Main- 145 Main Street in the amount of $2,424.38.
*Consent Calendar Items for February 23, 2026
f. Approval of the January 26, 2026 Meeting Minutes.
February 23, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
g. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $261,456.26 (February 5, 2026), and $213,134.58 (February 20, 2026).
h. Approval of January 2026 Payroll Expenditure Report in the amount of $506,640.24.
1. Receive Treasurer's Report for October and November 2025. j. Receive Building Department Monthly Report for January 2026. k. Receive Police Department Monthly Report for January 2026.
I. Receive Fire Department Monthly Report for January 2026. m. Receive Homeless Outreach Coordinator Monthly Report for January 2026. n. Accept Contract for 2024 Public Works Service Utility Vehicle with DuPratt Ford. o. Approval of Special Event Permit Application - Dandelion Days (March 21-22, 2026).
Motion to Approve the Consent Calendar with Items from January 26th and February 23rd as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor McLean, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Godde, Sierra McLean
None
Gonsalves
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.
Fire Chief. Ryan Pidgeon -Reported that a publicly accessible AED cabinet has been installed at Detert Park's snack shack, marking the first 24/7 accessible AED in Amador County. He also shared that the department recently joined the Federal Excess Personal Property Program and will soon evaluate a free Type 3 wildland engine from the Georgetown Fire Department as a potential addition, with maintenance to be locally managed. Additionally, due to anticipated rain, staffing has been increased with extra volunteers and Rescue 4 will be staffed to ensure two crews are available for response through tomorrow.
Police Chief, Chris Mynderup - Reported that a transient camp cleanup was conducted at the Oro de Amador property on February 13th, where five to six camps were removed, filling two 40-yard dumpsters. Six individuals were cited for trespassing and violating the no camping ordinance after receiving three weeks of prior notice and warnings; all were offered services by the homeless outreach coordinator. Appreciation was extended to Public Works and supporting crews for their assistance. An update was also provided regarding the ongoing investigation into the death of 48-year-old Andrew McClain of Pioneer, who was found in Jackson Creek after being released from Amador County Jail on February 14; authorities are working to establish his movements following release. Additionally, the D.A.R.E. program has resumed at Jackson Elementary, with classes now underway.
Citv Attorney. Josh Nelson-Reminded the council that Form 700's are due by April 1st.
City Manager. Carl P. Simpson - Gave thanks and appreciation to the Red Cross for their effective support in operating the emergency shelter and gained a better understanding for what they do in providing valuable help for temporary housing during emergencies. He also extended gratitude to Sergeant Matt Girton and County OES for their collaboration with the shelter. Additionally, it was noted that Bishop Maxim of the Orthodox Church here in Jackson, donated a significant piece of artwork Februarv 23, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
reflecting the community's history, including mining history, which will be framed and displayed for public enjoyment.
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 Godde-Reported on attending a cemetery meeting, touring a homeless emergency shelter in Sonora, and participating in an Amador Senior Center board meeting. Additionally, with assistance from Public Works, including Ben Crocker, helped place several grave markers for previously unidentified individuals in the cemetery.
Councilmember Sierra McLean- Worked with Dana on setting up our Administrative Committee to gain a better understanding of day-to-day operations. Also highlighted that Kennedy Mine will offer free tours on Saturday, including a guided walking tour at l :00 PM, open to all Amador and Calaveras County residents.
Vice Mayor McLean -Has been frequently traveling out of the county but attended several meetings, including sessions with city officials in Sonora and county officials at the sheriffs office regarding a joint homeless initiative, which featured notable success stories. He also attended Chamber of Commerce meetings on February 11th and 17th.
Mayor Simmons -Attended his final ACRA meeting, completing the organization's closure and ensuring remaining funds were distributed, with the City's share returned to its accounts and the County receiving the majority as the primary contributor. Participated in several Arch Committee meetings, including discussions with the City Manager about outreach to M�therlode Real Investors, and remained active in Chamber events, attending a mixer and the Green and Gold Gala, where he served as auctioneer and helped raise $9,200 through a cake auction. He also attended Amador Community Foundation meetings and the Golden Acorn Awards, and on Friday the 13th led his crew to clean up local homeless encampments.
6. DISCUSSION CALENDAR.
a. Receive and accept FY 24/25 Audit Report (reports are provided separately and available on the City website and at City Hall).
Carrie Schroeder with Smith & Newell-Gave a report stating that the independent audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 received an unmodified opinion, confirming the City's financial statements are materially accurate. The City reported approximately $48.4 million in net position, with strong cash reserves and a General Fund balance of$2.7 million, including $1.1 million in unassigned funds above recommended reserve levels. While General Fund expenditures exceeded revenues during the year, overall budget performance remained positive due to higher-thanexpected revenues. A required Single Audit of federal funds also received an unmodified opinion.
City Manager Simpson thanked finance staff for their significant work supporting the audit process.
Mayor Simmons called for a motion.
February 23, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
Motion to accept the 24125 Audit Report. Moved by Councilmember Sierra McLean, seconded by Vice Mayor McLean, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Godde, Sierra McLean
None
Gonsalves
None
b. Receive, discuss, and provide direction regarding (verbal) report from the Homeless Outreach Coordinator regarding the City's response to homeless issues [Christine Platt].
Christine reported that active clients were being served through the outreach program in January, including several new clients, with continued program exits occurring. Services during the month included operation of the mobile shower program and ongoing outreach efforts. A Point-in-Time Count was conducted in late January with multiple agencies participating, and updated data is expected in the coming months. She also provided an update on the 2026 HUD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), explaining that the program remains in litigation but is continuing under existing processes.
She spoke about new A TCAA shelter policies at the local high-barrier R2 shelters. She noted these rules may result in some individuals returning to unsheltered status. Discussion emphasized that the primary barriers remain limited affordable housing, long waitlists, and the need for continued outreach to maintain connections with unsheltered individuals.
Christine confirmed that the individuals recently evicted from the encampment are all enrolled in the outreach program and have received services, noting that while assistance and solutions are regularly offered, clients ultimately make their own decisions about participation. She acknowledged the eviction was justified but emphasized the need to continue developing solutions and direction for unsheltered individuals.
Based on council questions about the shower program number, she clarified that all the active clients don't utilize the shower program, and the reported 90 individual showers in January represent total uses rather than repeat individuals, with some clients using the service multiple times. The shower program operates twice weekly, and additional service was provided in coordination with the Red Cross emergency shelter at the Italian Picnic Grounds, allowing approximately 20 individuals to shower following recent severe weather. Christine thanked City Manager Simpson, PW Superintendent Wilder and ChiefMynderup for helping make that happen. c. Review of applicants and possible appointment to Planning Commission.
The Council reviewed two applications for Planning Commission vacancies but agreed to delay appointments until a full Council is present, allowing for additional input. The recruitment period will be extended until the first City Council meeting in April to encourage more applicants and identify the strongest candidates. No recommendations were received from the Planning Commission at the time of discussion.
d. Public Hearing: Public Hearing: Conduct Second reading and possibly adopt Ordinance No. 741 Amending Chapter 14.04 of the Jackson Municipal Code and adopting the 2025 edition of the California Building Standards Code.
There was no council discussion on this item. Mayor Simmons asked for Public Comment, and hearing none asked for a Motion.
February 23. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve Ordinance No. 741, amending chapter 14.04 of the Jackson Municipal Code.
Moved by Vice Mayor McLean, seconded by Councilmember Sierra McLean, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Godde, Sierra McLean
None
Gonsalves
None
7. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Simmons adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m.
ATTEST:
Date Approved