CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 27, 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
Staff Members:
Carl P. Simpson, City Manager
Chris Mynderup, Police Chief
Ryan Pidgeon, Fire Chief
Bree Wilder, PW Superintendent
Dana Knight, Administrative Assistant
Mayor Simmons called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Motion to Approve the City Council Agenda dated April 27, 2026, as presented. Moved by Councilmember Sierra McLean, seconded by Vice Mayor Steve McLean, 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.
Mia Huss, The Resource Connection -Reported on the success of the Celebrate Our Children Fair, which hosted over 60 service organizations and approximately 900 attendees, many from Jackson. Appreciation was expressed for the Jackson Police and Fire Departments for their strong community presence and positive impact. The organization noted continued commitment to supporting local families through future events.
Cameron Begbie, City of Plymouth, Veteran CORE Program Facilitator, and Victory Village Board Member, shared an incident involving an unhoused veteran released locally without support. He highlighted the collaborative response and expressed appreciation to Christine Platt for going above and beyond to coordinate emergency housing, transportation, and basic needs in partnership with Operation Care. A token of appreciation was presented in recognition of her efforts.
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.
April 27. 2026 Citv Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Simmons tabled voting on the Consent Calendar until after Closed Session. a. Approval of April 13, 2026 Meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of$331,917.06 c. Receive Treasurer's report for February and March 2026. d. Receive Homeless Outreach Monthly Report for March 2026. e. Approval of Special Event Permit Application - Jackson Lions Club 2026 Fireworks Show f. Approval of Special Event Permit Application - Archway Project Botilleas Dinner on Main g. Approval of the updated Homekey+ Agreement.
h. Approval of the CDT Fiber Hut Lease Agreement.
i. Adopt Resolution 2026-14 Certifying the 2026 Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) Update.
J. Adopt Resolution 2026-15 HCD NOFA Encampment Grant Application.
After reporting out from Closed Session, the Regular meeting was reconvened at 8:12 pm and the following action Oh the Conse11t Calendar was taken.
Motion to Approve the Consent Calendar dated Apri 27, 2026 as presented. 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
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 u:perintendent, Bree Wilder - Reported that two major sewer projects are moving forward, with pre-construction meetings this week and work expected to begin within weeks. Jackson View Association initiated paving without prior notice; staff coordinated with the contractor to pause work until inspection coverage could be arranged, with costs to be borne by them. An inspector is scheduled to be oasite to ensure compliance. Additionally, Wilder reported that his foreman is temporarily out due to a foot injury, with duration pending medical evaluation, resulting in short-term reduced staffing Fire Chief. Ryan Pidgeon - Reported a successful Celebrate Our Children event. Firefighter Kyle Berschens was recognized at the annual First Responder Appreciation Dinner hosted by the local Masonic Lodge. He was nominated by his peers for outstanding service over the past year.
Police Chief. Chris Mynderup- Reported that staff participated in the Celebrate Our Children event serving over 800 hot dogs at the well-attended and positive community gathering noting it was a long but rewarding day. Chief also shared that later that evening he attended the First Responders Appreciation Dinner, where Officer Jake Tollett was recognized for nine years of dedicated service and his strong commitment to community-oriented policing.
City Manager. Carl. P. Simpson - No report.
City Attorney. Josh Nelson - Stated that it was nice to see everybody that he was excited that he was there April 27, 2026 City Council Meetinl! Minutes
in person.
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 - Reported that an Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., with a Special EDC meeting on May 13th that will be focused on planning the July 3rd parade. She also noted that a recent car show meeting was held, regarding the event scheduled for May 16th.
Councilmember Godde - Nothing to report.
Councilmember Sierra McLean - Stated that at the last Council meeting she requested that Council compensation be placed on the agenda, but it was not included. She noted that the item had previously been tabled on May 12, 2025. She referenced ongoing employee union negotiations and a potential water rate increase, stating it is unfair to ask others to make sacrifices without reviewing Council's own benefits. She added that she believes Council may be overcompensated and again requested that the item be placed on the next meeting agenda.
Councilmember Steve McLean - Stated he attended an Arch/Botilleas party planning meeting, which are almost weekly now, with another one on the 9
th
. Attended a Chamber mixer on the 8th, a Chamber board
meeting on the 21st, and Businessman luncheon on the April 24th.
Mayor Simmons - Reported participating in various Chamber and Lions Club activities and noted speaking at a Rotary meeting the previous week, describing it as an enjoyable experience.
6. DISCUSSION CALENDAR.
a. Receive, discuss, and provide direction regarding (verbal) report from the Homeless Outreach Coordinator regarding the City's response to homeless issues [Christine Platt].
Homeless Outreach Coordinator Christine Platt reported the unsheltered population remains consistent with last month, with a current caseload of approximately 50 individuals. She noted two individuals were successfully reconnected with their home communities. Outreach efforts continue to focus on service connections and housing, though limited rental availability remains a significant barrier. She also reported operating without an assistant, resulting in reduced staffing capacity.
Council discussion included questions on updated counts, with Point-in-Time data expected soon.
Concerns were raised regarding sidewalk occupancy and litter, particularly related to pets and feeding groups. Platt noted she encourages cleanup when possible and will attempt to coordinate with volunteer groups. Staff clarified that while enforcement related to aid efforts is limited, littering violations remain enforceable, and outreach teams continue to promote cleanliness through direct engagement. b. Presentation Amador Child Care Council [Jeni De Walt] Jeni De Walt provided an overview of the Amador Child Care Council, a state-established planning body formed to support affordable, accessible, and quality childcare. She highlighted ongoing childcare shortages in the county, noting high demand and limited availability, with 938 young children in assisted households and 239 formal childcare requests in 2024. De Walt outlined the Council's key goals:
April 27. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
increasing access and affordability, supporting employers with resources for working families, and strengthening the childcare workforce through training and community partnerships.
No Public comment. The council thanked Ms. De Walt for the presentation and her commitment to the community.
c. Possible approval of Fa9ade Improvement Application - formerly Ad Art at 20 Main Street in the amount of $2,433.81.
Jay Michel, owner of the building at 20 Main Street, spoke regarding recent fa9ade improvements, including replacement of a damaged awning following a windstorm. He noted the building is newly vacant, with plans to secure a new tenant and maintain the property's appearance. Potential tenant interest was mentioned. Council discussion included questions regarding fa9ade improvement grant eligibility for future tenants, with staff noting such requests could be considered by Council. Additional discussion addressed signage, with the property owner indicating flexibility to update signage for future tenants.
Mayor Simmons called for Public Comment.
Tom Consolo, a Jackson resident, expressed support for the City's efforts to assist local businesses through fa9ade improvement funding, but expressed concern over unclear criteria and precedent-setting, emphasizing the need to ensure funds are used appropriately and align with the program's intent and downtown character.
With no further public comments, Mayor Simmons called for a motion.
Motion to approve the Fa<;ade Improvement Application at 20 Main Street in the amount of $2,433.81. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded Vice Mayor Steve McLean, carried by a 5 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
None
None
d. Review of Planning Commission Applications received and possible appointment.
The Council reviewed Planning Commission applications and confirmed, with legal counsel, that City employee, police officer, Jake Tollett, may serve without conflict, provided he recuse himself when necessary and that the same rules would apply to Kandi Thompson, who is a real estate professional.
Council members expressed appreciation for the strong pool of applicants. Mayor Simmons asked that any applicants present come up to speak if they would like to.
Applicant Kandi Thompson, a local real estate broker, highlighted her experience in property management and community development, noting her strong ties to Amador County and passion for local planning. She expressed that serving on the Planning Commission would align with her current work and community involvement.
Applicant Cole Giurlani shared his recent interest in becoming involved in local government, noting he was encouraged by community members to apply. He highlighted his strong local ties, curiosity, and April 27, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
willingness to learn, as well as access to construction-related knowledge through family resources and expressed an interest in contributing to the Planning Commission.
Mayor Simmons called for Public Comment, hearing none he called for Nominations.
City Clerk Georgette asked that Public Comment be reopened, so he can make a comment. Mayor Simmons reopened Public Comment.
City Clerk Georgette expressed support for applicant Jake Tollett, highlighting his statement regarding knowledge of local and state law as a valuable qualification. He noted that such experience is important for Planning Commission service and stated that having a Jackson police officer serve on the Commission reflects well on the City and promotes alignment across departments.
Mayor Simmons called for further public comment, hearing none he closed public comment and asked for nominations for two Planning Commission seats.
Councilmember Gonsalves nominated Cole Guirlani, Councilmember Godde seconded the nomination.
Motion to appoint Cole Guirlani to the Planning Commission. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 5 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
None
None
Councilmember Sierra McLean nominated Kandi Thompson.
Vice Mayor Steve McLean nominated Mikey Zivanovic.
Jackson resident, Linda Nunez, interrupted the nomination process with a public comment not related to this item.
Mayor Simmons reopened public comment.
Ms. Nunez expressed difficulty hearing the meeting due to sound system issues and voiced frustration with a proposed water rate increase, stating she actively conserves water and feels unfairly impacted. She shared concerns about being charged higher rates despite low usage and described long-standing personal efforts to minimize water consumption. Staff acknowledged the audio concerns and informed her of an upcoming Water Rate Workshop on May 19th that is dedicated to water rate discussions.
Mayor Simmons closed public comment and continued the nomination process with the motion previously made by Vice Mayor Steve McLean for Mickey Zivanovic.
Motion to appoint Mickey Zivanovic to the Planning Commission. Moved by Vice Mayor McLean, seconded Councilmember Godde, and carried by a 5 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
None
None
April 27, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
Tom Consolo asked why the Consent Calendar was postponed until after Closed Session. Mayor Simmons stated it was to allow for discussion during Closed Session.
7. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Simmons adjourned the regular meeting at 7:20 pm to go into Closed Session.
8. CLOSED SESSION.
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code § 54954.5(t)) Agency designated representatives: Carl Simpson, Josh Nelson Employee organizations (under discussion): JPOA
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph ( 4) of subdivision ( d) of Section 54956.9: 1 case
9. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Simmons reported out from closed session at 8:12 pm with no reportable action and reconvened the regular meeting to vote on the Consent Calendar that was tabled until after closed session. See Item 3 for vote details.
Mayor Simmons ended the Regular City_ Council Meeting at 8:15 pm.
ATTEST:
Date Approved