I
J'C A L I F O R N I A CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 13, 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
Trevor Hoaas, Assistant PW Superintendent
Dana Knight, Administrative Assistant
Mayor Simmons called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m. due to a technical issue and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Motion to Approve the City Council Agenda dated April 13, 2026, as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor Steve McLean, seconded by Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 5 to O 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 Quirillo, representative of the Kit Carson Mountain Men - requested continued City sponsorship of $650 for the annual Days of 49 Wagon Train (April 23rd 25th), noting the original request was not received. No Main Street activities are planned this year due to a lack of coordination, though future expanded celebrations are anticipated. The City will review the request and address the administrative oversight.
Patricia Anija, Treasurer of Amador 's Heart of Gold - Spoke of a new childhood cancer case in Jackson involving a 2½-year-old and noted support resources are being shared through the organization's social media. Announced the organization will host a booth at the "Celebrate Our Children" event on April 25 at the Italian Picnic Grounds in Sutter Creek (11 :00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), where they will facilitate a tie-blanket activity to provide comfort items for local children undergoing cancer treatment.
Brian Gilman, local restaurant owner - Expressed concerns regarding the lack of clear and enforceable regulations for food truck operations, noting an uneven playing field with brick-and-mortar businesses due to differing costs and requirements. Emphasis was placed on establishing transparent policies for locations, hours, frequency, and consistent enforcement to support local businesses and the overall economy.
April 13, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
David Drummond, Jackson resident - Reported worsening potholes and roadway deterioration on McGee Street following recent rains, including significant damage near a culvert, and expressed frustration over lack of response. Councilmember Gonsalves acknowledged the issue but noted the street is a lower priority. Councilmember Godde offered to meet with him on-site to further assess the conditions.
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 23, 2026 Meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $184,082.85 c. Approval of March 2026 Payroll Expenditure Report.
d. Approval of Treasurer's Report for December 2025 & January 2026. e. Receive Building Department Monthly Report for March 2026. f. Receive Fire Department Monthly Report for March 2026. g. Receive Police Department Monthly Report for March 2026. h. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-10 Accepting the Completion of the Main Street Maintenance Project and Filing a Notice of Completion and Authorizing Recordation Therefore. , 1. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-11 Awarding Moyle Excavation, Inc. the Sewer Improvement Project for Project A.
J
. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-12 Awarding The Trenchless Co. the Sewer Improvement Project for Project B.
k. Approval of Special Everit Permit - Motherlode Cruise Car Show.
Motion to Approve the Consent Calendar dated April 13, 2026 as presented. Moved by Councilmember Sierra 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
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.
Assistant Public Works Superintendent. Trevor Hoass - Reported that the highway street lighting project is now operational, with lights activated within the past week. He also noted that Public Works removed the large slide at Detert Park due to safety concerns and non-compliance with current standards. The slide, believed to have been installed in the 1970s, will be replaced with a new feature, though not necessarily another slide.
Fire Chief. Ryan Pidgeon - Reported a routine month of operations, noting participation in the upcoming "Celebrate Our Children" event, including the Bike Rodeo. Additionally, a meeting is scheduled with the Amador Resource Conservation District to explore opportunities for providing defensible space inspections within the city.
Police Chief Chris Mynderup - Shared that he will also be attending the upcoming "Celebrate Our Children" event, volunteering by cooking and serving hot dogs for attendees.
City Attorney, Josh Nelson- Nothing to report.
City Manager, Carl P. Simpson- Nothing to report.
5. COUNCIL REPORTS.
April 13. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
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 the Economic Development Committee's continued progress on the Arch project, with the "Bottilleas" dinner fundraiser scheduled for June 20th and tickets currently on sale.
Planning is also underway for the first annual July 3rd parade in recognition of the nation's 250th anniversary, with the American Legion partnering with the City on staging and coordination, and outreach efforts in progress to encourage participation. Additionally, preparations for the May 16th car show are advancing, with approximately 1 70 entries registered to date and support from the American Legion; past events have drawn over 200 vehicles.
Councilmernber Godde - Reported attending several local meetings, including the Amador Senior Center Board meeting, where March service data highlighted 2,992 Meals on Wheels deliveries, 1,249 congregate meals, and significant volunteer contributions, along with the launch of new programs supporting homebound seniors and reducing social isolation. He also attended a meeting at Kennedy Mine, noting an upcoming Gem, Mineral, and Craft Show scheduled for May 2nd and 3rd and a planned update to the City regarding Wheel No. 1. Additionally, at a Cemetery meeting, the board approved compiling a list of problematic trees for removal and submission to the City Manager.
Councilmernber Sierra McLean - Reported attending a recent Air District meeting and noted that the Carl Moyer Lawn and Garden Equipment Replacement Program is now open, offering rebates (approximately $100-$500) for exchanging gas-powered equipment for electric alternatives, with local assistance available through retailers. She also requested that council compensation, previously discussed and tabled in August, be placed on an upcoming City Council agenda for reconsideration.
Councilmember Steve McLean - Reported attending multiple Arch planning meetings throughout April (April 2, 9, and 16), noting strong progress and coordination for the upcoming Bottilleas event, which is anticipated to exceed last year's success. Additional community engagement included attending a Chamber mixer at Preston Castle on April 8th, and participation in the third annual Gold Country Kids Youth Shooting Sports fundraiser at the fairgrounds, supporting local youth programs.
Mayor Simmons - Attended several Chamber-related events, including a 70th anniversary ribbon cutting for Mel's Diner, and presented Maura Gillman with a corrected proclamation, since the original one had her name spelled wrong.
6. DISCUSSION CALENDAR.
a. Presentation from Hildebrand Consulting regarding the Final Recommendation for the 2026 Water Rate Study. [Mark Hildebrand] Review and approve Resolution 2026-13 Establishing Rate Objection Procedures.
Mark Hildebrand of Hildebrand Consulting presented final recommendations for the water rate study, noting prior presentations to Council and a stakeholder workshop held in March. The presentation, largely unchanged from earlier versions, outlined the standard rate-setting process in California, including development of a financial plan (revenue requirements), a cost-of-service analysis to ensure equitable distribution among customer classes, and final rate design determining April 13, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
fixed and usage-based charges. Additional topics included a regional utility rate comparison, water shortage policy considerations, and updates related to new legislation (AB 2257). Mr. Hildebrand outlined the public review process under Proposition 218, explaining that residents may submit protests against rate increases without providing justification, and if a majority protest is received, the rates cannot be adopted. In contrast, formal objections under AB 2257 must be based on legal concerns and must be submitted during the notice period to preserve the right to challenge the rates in the future. The proposed next step is for Council to direct staff to issue the Prop 218 notice, initiating a 45-day review period, with a public hearing scheduled for June 22nd and a deadline for objections June 3rd.
Mayor Simmons asked for public comment.
Marilyn Lewis, (Jackson Resident) - Questioned the City's handling of service area agreements and development-related fees, as well as the fairness of the rate protest process tied to Amador Water Agency rates. Staff clarified that the City maintains its service area and follows a separate, legally reviewed process for rate changes, and directed the resident to the City Manager for further discussion.
Tom Consolo, (Jackson Resident) - Expressed concerns about the complexity of rate structures and lack of clear communication, questioned the fairness of higher increases for lower-use customers, and emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and improved public engagement.
Jim McCarthy, (Jackson Resident) - Expressed concern that staff and Council discussion appeared to defend the Water Agency rather than represent the City's interests. Councilmember Godde clarified that his intent was to direct questions appropriately, noting the City's limited control over Water Agency matters and that the agency does not have control over the City's Proposition 218 process, while confirming the City's role in collecting participation fees.
Cole Girilani, (Jackson Resident) - Raised questions regarding water rights and licensing tied to East Bay MUD, noting a potential expiration around 2031. He encouraged the City to pursue factfinding on the issue, suggesting it could present an opportunity to secure greater benefits or supply and help mitigate future rate increases.
Mayor Simmons called for a Motion.
Motion to approve Resolution No. 2026-13 Establishing Rate Objection Procedures. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded 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
After the vote, Susan McDaniels, (Jackson Resident) Raised concerns regarding limited outreach methods for older residents regarding the Water Rate Workshop. Staff confirmed outreach for the March 24th workshop was completed via website, social media, and newspaper. Due to timing, the upcoming May 19th workshop cannot be included in utility bills and will instead be noticed through standard public· channels. The required Proposition 218 notice will be mailed separately on April 17th.
April 13, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
Ms. McDaniels further expressed frustration with lack of awareness of billing practices, high water and sewer charges despite zero usage, questioning fee structures and transparency. Staff clarified that base/service charges cover system availability, treatment, storage, and delivery infrastructure, independent of usage, and offered to review the specific account for potential discrepancies. b. Possible approval ofFa9ade Improvement Application - Ad Art at 20 Main Street in the amount of $2,433.81.
The council decided to table this item to the next City Council meeting, because they had questions and the applicant was not present.
c. First Reading of Ordinance No. 742 Concerning Cost Recovery for Non-Emergency Services Response.
Fire Chief Pidgeon presented a proposed ordinance establishing a cost recovery rate structure for non-emergency service calls. The intent is to bill commercial facilities ( e.g., nursing homes, hospitals) that rely on fire personnel for non-emergency assistance, such as lift assists, rather than individual residents. The Chief noted rising operational and maintenance costs and emphasized that these non-emergency calls divert resources from core emergency response services.
Councilmember Sierra McLean asked what the frequency of these calls are? Chief reported nonemergency calls comprise approximately 15-25% of monthly call volume, with about one-third eligible for cost recovery. Examples include assisting nursing facilities with patient movement and providing support on ambulance calls, which can reduce available fire staffing. These types of calls occur both within and outside city limits and are noted as an increasingly common trend nationwide.
Mayor Simmons asked for public comment.
Dave McDaniels, (Jackson resident) Expressed general support for cost recovery but emphasized that non-emergency calls at facilities ( e.g., patient lift assists) are a staffing responsibility of those organizations and should not be borne by the City. He supported reimbursement from facilities but stressed the Fire Department should continue responding when needed. He raised concerns about potential impacts to residents, particularly seniors, but Chief Pidgeon clarified the ordinance applies only to commercial facilities and non-emergency services, not to private residences or emergency calls. Additional discussion clarified that certain minor service calls ( e.g., simple assistance requests at businesses) may be included, while others (e.g., controlled bums) would not, and that rates would be established through a future Council-approved resolution.
Cole Guilini questioned whether the City would front costs and attempt reimbursement from understaffed facilities, expressing concern about the likelihood of recovering funds. Chief Pidgeon indicated reimbursement would be handled on a case-by-case basis, noting no significant issues to date and adding that, in some instances, facility staff were present but still relied on fire personnel for non-emergency assistance.
Susan McDaniels questioned whether cost recovery would apply to residents or only commercial entities. Staff clarified it applies to facilities and agencies-not the public-and requires Council approval for fees. The ordinance would authorize billing for non-emergency services, citing rising costs and demand. McDaniel questioned the need, noting it had not been required historically.
Mayor Simmons called for a motion.
April 13, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
Motion to waive first reading and move to second reading of Ordinance No. 742 Concerning Cost Recovery for Non-Emergency Services Response. Moved by Vice Mayor Steve McLean, and carried by a 5 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Simmons adjourned the regular meeting at 8: 11 p.m.
8. CLOSED SESSION.
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Title: General Manager
Mayor Simmons adjourned Closed Session at 9:00 p.m. with no reportable action.
ATTEST:
Date Approved