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CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
March 23, 2026
Mayor and Council Members
Chad Simmons, Mayor
Max Godde, Council Member
Connie Gonsalves, Council Member
Sierra McLean, Council Member
ABSENT:
Steve McLean, Vice Mayor
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
Trevor Hoaas, Assistant PW Superintendent
Dana Knight, Administrative Assistant
Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator
Mayor Simmons called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and Councilmember Gonsalves led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Motion to Approve the City Council Agenda dated March 23, 2026, as presented. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Sierra McLean, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
Steve McLean
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.
Ellen Brittingham - Introduced herself as the new local government affairs representative for PG&E and expressed her commitment to continuing the utility's partnership with the City of Jackson and serving as a resource for staff. The council welcomed her and shared their interest in coordinating on items such as Main Street streetlights and requested her contact information. In response to a question from City Manager Simpson, Brittingham clarified that Lenore remains with PG&E in a different capacity, and she will serve as the primary point of contact moving forward.
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 March 9, 2026 Meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $313,292.15. c. Receive Homeless Outreach Coordinator Monthly Report for February 2026.
March 23. 2026 Citv Council Meeting Minutes
d. Accept 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report.
e. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-07 Accepting the 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (October 2025)
Motion to Approve the Consent Calendar dated March 23, 2026 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
Steve McLean
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 - Provided operational updates, noting ongoing revisions to the city's Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP), prompt response to a recent water leak on Smalley Avenue that was repaired within an hour, and progress on infrastructure improvements, including installation of over 200 radio meters as part of a five-year plan. He reported that four sewer projects are currently out to bid, two excavation projects (Clinton Road and Bright & Pitt) and two slip-lining projects (Ralph's Alley and Anita area), pending budget evaluation. In response to council inquiry, Wilder confirmed these project areas are among the city's worst for inflow and infiltration, with recurring maintenance issues such as roots and blockages. He emphasized that the Clinton Road project, long identified as problematic, will help eliminate a high-risk line prone to spills and ongoing costly maintenance by relocating and improving its alignment.
Fire Chief, Ryan Pidgeon - Reported a recent incident involving a lithium-ion battery explosion at a residence on Circle Drive, emphasizing the safety risks of improperly charging such batteries, particularly when multiple units are connected to a single power source for extended periods. Noted that the situation was not worse due to the quick reporting and response. He also informed the council that the department declined acquiring a Type 3 engine from Georgetown due to maintenance uncertainties. Additionally, he shared that the Dandelion Day event was successful, with minimal emergency calls, and expressed appreciation to the community for their support.
Police Chief, Chris Mynderup - Reported that the Dandelion Day was largely successful, with only a minor incident involving the theft of local honey. Chief Mynderup also highlighted a significant initiative to support victims, unveiling a newly created "soft interview room" designed to provide a more comfortable environment for victims of abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault during interviews.
The room was developed in partnership with Phyllis's Garden, a nonprofit founded by survivors of Joseph James DeAngelo, and aims to reduce emotional distress and encourage victims to come forward.
Additionally, he noted ongoing training efforts and collaboration with Operation Care to establish a local multidisciplinary interview (MDI) process, which will reduce the need to transport victims out of the area.
After council inquiry, Chief acknowledged that such cases are occurring with concerning frequency, approximately monthly, for child interviews, underscoring the importance of these new resources.
City Manager, Carl P. Simpson-Reported on his attendance at a recent Planning Commission meeting, noting increased engagement and discussion around the potential development of a citywide vending March 23. 2026 Citv Council Meeting Minutes
ordinance. The topic, initially focused on food trucks, expanded to include all types of vending, and he indicated that our attorney has already drafted an ordinance. Pending council support, the item will be brought forward for formal consideration and possible adoption. He also shared that recruitment for the Economic Development Committee (EDC) is underway, with the position expected to be posted soon and at least one application already received. Additionally, Simpson reported submitting a $10,000 grant application to the Amador Community Foundation for new playground equipment, with plans to supplement improvements by repairing an existing slide using separate funds.
City Attorney. Josh Nelson -Reminded council members that Form 700 financial disclosure statements are due by April 1st and thanked staff for issuing reminders. Discussion followed regarding the upcoming water rate meeting, which was clarified to be a public informational workshop rather than an agendized council meeting; therefore, council members were advised not to attend in order to avoid forming a quorum. It was emphasized that the workshop is intended to inform the public on proposed rate changes, which will return to the council for formal consideration at a later date, and staff committed to clearly communicating this distinction to the public.
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 - Shared that she went to Dandelion Day on Sunday, which appeared slightly less crowded than in previous years, thought the time she went may have been a factor. She highlighted an upcoming Special Economic Development Committee meeting focused on planning the July 3rd parade, confirming that the American Legion has agreed to partner with the City and provide expertise in parade staging and coordination. She also mentioned preparations for the upcoming car show event, expressing optimism about its success. Concluding her report, she shared a personal update that her daughter has recently moved back home from Texas.
Councilmember Godde - Reported attending a recent Chamber of Commerce meeting in the Vice Mayor's absence and expressed appreciation for the efforts of Lucy Hackett and Wayne Garibaldi in developing a Jackson walking tour pamphlet, noting he was impressed with the final product and its value to the community.
Councilmember Sierra McLean - Reported attending a public law conference that included discussions on emerging technologies such as AI, drones, and data transparency in local government, noting the insights were informative and potentially relevant to future municipal operations. She also attended the Dandelion Day event, sharing that it was a positive experience, especially the tri tip sandwiches which her daughter loved.
Mayor Simmons - Shared a birthday acknowledgment for his wife, before reporting on recent community engagement. He highlighted participation in Chamber of Commerce activities, including a record-breaking mixer event, attendance at a successful Fair Foundation fundraiser that generated the highest proceeds to date, and involvement in the Dandelion Day event, noting strong community turnout, positive atmosphere, and smooth operations with minimal issues.
6. DISCUSSION CALENDAR.
a. Receive, discuss, and provide direction regarding (verbal) report from the Homeless Outreach March 23. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
Coordinator regarding the City's response to homeless issues [Christine Platt].
Homeless Outreach Coordinator Christine Platt provided an update on outreach efforts, noting-that the number of unsheltered individuals remains consistent with the previous month while ongoing outreach continues to connect individuals with services and housing. She highlighted a successful placement of a local veteran into housing through coordination with HUD-V ASH and case managers and expressed appreciation to the City and the American Red Cross for providing emergency shelter during inclement weather which served approximately 25 individuals. Platt clarified a prior reporting error regarding shelter requirements and advised of an upcoming transition period at the end of March, where individuals exiting shelters may create both challenges and opportunities for new placements, particularly for men because each shelter has a small male capacity. She emphasized ongoing challenges related to limited affordable housing and suggested exploring managed spaces to better coordinate outreach services. A brief discussion followed regarding data reporting that was previously requested from her from the mayor and Platt said she has had extra constraints due to a staffing shortage, since the Assistant Outreach Coordinator has been out for almost a month, but assured him that she will try and figure out how to get him the report soon. Mayor Simmons offered to supply Platt with an excel spreadsheet, which she appreciated.
b. City of Jackson Public Pool 2026 Swim Program presentation [Pool Director Daphne Parker].
Pool Director Daphne Parker provided an overview of upcoming summer operations, highlighting the start of lifeguard training and strong early enrollment. She noted a modest price increase across programs due to economic factors, along with updates to scheduling, including a revised Monday-Friday structure to accommodate swim teams while maintaining regular public swim sessions and lessons. Planned special events will continue, including popular offerings such as movie nights and the annual July 3rd "Floating Under the Fireworks" event, which will see a slight ticket price increase. Parker also emphasized enhancements to the Junior Lifeguard Program, expanding it from 15 to 30 hours to build participant confidence and create a stronger pipeline for future lifeguards.
Mayor Simmons opened the item for council discussion. Mayor Simmons asked for consideration about increasing private party lifeguard rates to better reflect payroll costs and ensure appropriate cost recovery.
The discussion also highlighted the pool's importance as a community asset, including its role as the county's only league-approved competition pool and its use by local school teams. Additional topics included minimal parking concerns, expansion of programs such as adaptive swim lessons for children with special needs, and potential future grant funding.
City Manager Simpson publicly recognized Ms. Parker for her dedication and contributions, noting that the pool would not be what it is today without her efforts. Appreciation was expressed for her continued commitment to the City of Jackson and enthusiasm for future improvements. The Council also expressed their appreciation for her efforts.
Mayor Simmons asked for public comments.
Tom Consolo (Resident) Expressed strong support for the City of Jackson's pool program, noting his positive impressions over his 35 years as a resident. Drawing from his past experience as a park ranger and lifeguard with a large recreation district in Alameda County he highlighted the benefits of wellfunded recreational programs supported by dedicated tax measures, including extensive lifeguard training and community activities. He contrasted that model with current challenges, emphasizing rising pool operation costs and limited public willingness to fund such programs locally, and suggested that establishing a larger recreation or park district could help expand services and increase community support in the future.
March 23. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
c. Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-08 Establishing the fee and program schedule for 2026 Swim Program.
After previous item discussion Mayor Simmons requested a motion.
Motion to approve Resolution No. 2026-08 establishing fees and the program schedule for the 2026 swim program with the adjusted Private Party rate to $50 an hour for lifeguard charges up to 20 swimmers and 21 to 50 swimmers to $100 an hour. The motion further approves increasing the Use Fee to $200. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
Steve McLean
None
d. Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-09 Accepting the Annual ATMF Report for ACTC.
City Manager Simpson explained that the report is a routine annual submission requiring council review and approval and added that he had been asked to ensure the report is also shared with the Planning Commission due to its relevance to their work. Mayor Simmons confirmed that the council would accept the report and forward it accordingly, noting that the item appeared largely procedural.
Council Member Gonsalves raised a concern previously shared via email about the Sutter Street Extension. Gonsalves questioned whether delays caused by toxic waste cleanup could impact the timeline of the project and potentially risk losing funding. Emphasizing the importance of the extension, especially in light of anticipated school district developments. Gonsalves asked whether exemptions might be pursued to prevent delays. Drawing on past experience with the ACTC board, Gonsalves explained how regional traffic mitigation funds have historically rotated among cities, stressing that it is currently Jackson's tum and that losing momentum could result in forfeiting allocated funds or being pushed to the back of the funding cycle.
Mayor Simmons acknowledged the concern and suggested following up with relevant contacts to clarify the project's status and funding situation. Additional discussion highlighted uncertainty about whether funds had already been redirected to other projects, such as Pine Grove, and reinforced the need to verify the current standing of the Sutter Street Extension. Council members agreed on the importance of advocating for the project and ensuring the city does not lose its funding opportunity. Participation in ACTC meetings was also discussed, with interest expressed in maintaining active representation to stay informed and engaged.
After further council discussion Mayor Simmons requested a motion.
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-09. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded Councilmember Sierra McLean, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
Steve McLean
None
March 23. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
7. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Simmons adjourned the regular meeting at 7:21 p.m.
ATTEST:
Jo Date Approved