CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Unsheltered
Study Session Meeting Minutes
May 4, 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
Dana Knight, Administrative Assistant
Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator·
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 Godde, seconded by Vice Mayor Steve McLean, and carried by a 5 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Godde, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
None
None
2. SPECIAL MEETING PUBLIC COMMENT.
Pursuant to the Brown Act, public comment for special meetings is limited to items on the special meeting agenda only. Those wishing to address the City Council during a special meeting may do so when the Chair calls for public comments. Please note -there is a three (3) minute limit and speakers are requested to state their name and community of residence.
City Manager, Carl Simpson (Facilitator) - Opened with an overview of the purpose and structure of the evening's discussion regarding homelessness and unsheltered issues within the City of Jackson. Attendees were thanked for participating and encouraged to engage respectfully and productively. It was emphasized that the meeting was intended as an informational and brainstorming session only, with no formal Council decisions planned. Staff noted the City is pursuing a potential $3 million Encampment Resolution Grant opportunity to support future shelter or regional homeless response efforts.
City Manager, Simpson, shared personal remarks regarding homelessness, emphasizing that unforeseen life circumstances can affect anyone and et:JiCouraging compassion throughout the discussion. The meeting agenda and process were outlined, including presentations from dignitaries, Council discussion, public comment, a presentation on City cleanup and enforcement efforts related to homeless encampments, and informational presentations regarding low-barrier shelter models and potential shelter concepts for the region. Council and public questions were planned throughout the meeting, with final Council discussion and possible staff direction scheduled at the conclusion of the meeting.
Unsheltered Study Sessi.on
City Manager Simpson invited dignitaries to speak.
May 4. 2026 City Council Special Meeting Minutes
Sheriff, Gary Redman - Reported visiting multiple shelter models, expressing opposition to low-barrier approaches and favoring a structured, high-accountability model. He highlighted the success of Tuolumne County's "Camp Justice," which combines strong rules, centralized location, and coordinated services with enforcement. He emphasized a "resource-first, enforcement-second" approach, noting it has helped reduce homelessness by connecting individuals to services while addressing noncompliance. While acknowledging funding and logistical challenges in Amador County, he stated support for a similar model locally and committed resources from the Sheriffs Office to assist.
Denise Howard, ATCAA Director - Outlined ATCAA's role in providing shelter, housing assistance, and regional coordination through the Continuum of Care across four counties. She highlighted required components including governance, data tracking, and annual point-in-time counts. Preliminary data shows a decrease in the unsheltered population, which she attributed to effective outreach and services. She expressed support for continued funding efforts, including the City's pursuit of grant opportunities to address homelessness.
Joe Boras, ATCAA Executive Director - Emphasized the importance of a coordinated, multi-agency homeless committee, noting its critical role in the success of Tuolumne County's Camp Justice model. He highlighted that implementation required several years of planning, collaboration, and overcoming community resistance, with the committee developing policies, procedures, and site selection. He encouraged Amador County to establish a similar structure, supported by city, county, and community partners, to effectively address homelessness.
Melissa Cranfill, Behavioral Health Director - Outlined Behavioral Health's transition to the Behavioral Health Services Act, which increases funding dedicated to housing and services for the unhoused. She emphasized a focus on engagement, treatment, and long-term housing solutions. She also provided an update on the Valley View Commons project, a 46-unit development expected to break ground soon, primarily serving individuals with serious mental illness who are homeless or at risk, along with a portion designated for affordable housing.
Melissa Celio, Behavioral Health Program Coordinator - Highlighted that the Behavioral Health Services Act prioritizes support for unhoused individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders, including funding for housing, outreach, and treatment services. She outlined expanded field-based outreach, multidisciplinary teams, and new programs such as medication-assisted treatment, full-service partnerships, and early psychosis intervention. Celio emphasized strong coordination with local partners and noted that Valley View Commons will provide supportive housing with wraparound services focused on long-term stability, including employment and education. She confirmed that placement will prioritize local individuals through the coordinated entry system.
Craig Baracco, Executive Director of the Foothill Conservancy - Described efforts to coordinate volunteer cleanups of encampments, emphasizing environmental protection and collaboration with outreach teams and unhoused individuals. He noted that providing resources like trash services can help reduce impacts. He highlighted the broader need for increased affordable housing, stating that housing supply and cost are key drivers of homelessness, and encouraged support for higher-density housing. He also expressed support for managed solutions such as safe parking and camping areas to reduce environmental arid community impacts. Baracco also emphasized a hopeful outlook, noting that while homelessness numbers fluctuate, the population remains relatively small and manageable at the local level. He highlighted that projects like Valley View Commons could meaningfully reduce homelessness Unsheltered Study Session May 4, 2026 City Council Special Meeting Minutes by serving a significant portion of the population, encouraging the community to view progress as achievable through incremental but impactful efforts.
Ty Pulskamp, Small Change for Big Board Member - Described Small Change for Big as a local nonprofit focused on filling service gaps for the unhoused, providing meals and direct support to approximately 18- 25 individuals weekly. He emphasized the importance of flexible, grassroots assistance that complements existing services. Pulskamp also noted a significant increase in homeless students locally and highlighted challenges in accurately counting the unhoused population, underscoring the need to consider broader impacts when evaluating solutions. He shared information about the upcoming Homeless Resource Fair on the 17th and 18th
• It is coordinated by the Homeless Task Force with support from Small Change for Big and Operation Care. The event will include over 30 agencies and typically serves around 80 individuals, with data indicating many participants have been long-term local residents.
Dr. Craig Hall, Jackson resident - Shared that he and Dr. Robert Hartman are providing volunteer streetbased medical care to the unhoused, focusing on basic treatment and triage. He emphasized that a centralized, well-planned site would improve access to care, allowing providers to reach more individuals and potentially reduce strain on emergency services. He expressed support for a localized encampment or shelter model to better address health needs.
Facilitator Simpson invited individuals and public testimony to speak.
Mark Thornton, Jackson resident - Encouraged the City to pursue innovative, pilot solutions rather than overanalyzing challenges, emphasizing the need to "try something" and evaluate results. He suggested exploring a controlled, self-contained site model with structured access, allowing individuals to come and go while maintaining accountability. He stressed the importance of giving new approaches an opportunity before dismissing them.
John Murphy, Amador Homeless Committee and Mental Health Boards - He emphasized the significant challenge of identifying an acceptable site for homeless services, noting years of unsuccessful efforts due to community resistance and property constraints. He expressed support for ongoing efforts and funding opportunities, while stressing the importance of collaboration among the City, nonprofits, and faith-based groups. He urged continued pursuit of a viable location to provide services, improve conditions, and support the unhoused population.
Becky Melville, Jackson resident - Expressed strong support for creating a designated place for the unhoused, emphasizing compassion and dignity. Drawing from her volunteer work providing meals, she noted that individuals experiencing homelessness are part of the community and deserve humane treatment. She also highlighted that while opposition can be vocal, there is a large and growing base of community members who support compassionate solutions and are actively contributing time and resources.
Rebecca McCurdy, unhoused Jackson resident - Expressed support for the proposed ideas, noting that designated solutions for the unhoused could improve community conditions and reduce tension. She suggested a trial approach, such as a defined timeframe, and encouraged the City to pursue proactive, solution-based efforts rather than relying solely on enforcement.
Craig Lambert, Sutter Creek- Shared his experience volunteering to help feed unhoused individuals alongside local community members, noting that personal interaction changed many of his prior assumptions regarding homelessness. He emphasized that many individuals experience homelessness due Unsheltered Study Session May 4. 2026 City Council Special Meeting Minutes to difficult life circumstances that could happen to anyone. Lambert expressed support for creating a safer and more dignified environment for unhoused residents and encouraged broad community participation, particularly from local faith-based organizations and churches. He stated that addressing homelessness requires a collective community effort and urged the City to "think big," expressing confidence that the community would support meaningful solutions.
Kat Spears, a lifelong resident of Amador County - Shared her experience independently preparing and serving food to unhoused individuals at Petkovich Park over the past several months after becoming concerned about visible hunger in the community. Reflecting on changes in downtown Jackson over the years, she expressed concerns regarding the current sense of safety in public spaces, noting that both volunteers and unhoused individuals often feel uneasy while gathering in the park. Spears stated that most unhoused individuals she has encountered have been respectful and emphasized the importance of creating a designated, safe environment where people can receive services, food, and support with dignity and without feeling exposed or judged. She expressed support for establishing a secure location that would benefit both unhoused residents and community volunteers providing assistance.
3. DISCUSSION CALENDAR.
a. Unsheltered Population Discussion.
City Manager Simpson acknowledged the extensive volunteer and cleanup efforts that have been led by Mayor Chad Simmons and others. Photos were shown documenting debris, illegal squatting, human waste, fire risks, and ongoing cleanup costs at several encampment locations throughout the city were shown. He explained that the photos are intended to highlight the operational and public safety impacts of encampments and not to shame unhoused individuals. Concerns were also raised regarding impacts on downtown businesses, public safety, and fire danger near critical facilities, including the hospital property.
Nick Golling of The Gathering Inn presented a case study on Placer County's low-barrier mobile temporary shelter program, describing how the community transitioned from unmanaged encampments to an organized shelter model focused on safety, structure, accountability, and supportive services. He emphasized the importance of coordinated referrals, residency requirements, case management, behavioral health support, community involvement, and clear operational standards. Galling reported that the program has reduced complaints and public safety issues while achieving positive housing outcomes, noting that nearly half of program participants exited to improved housing situations in 2025. He stressed that successful shelter programs require strong coordination, accountability, community engagement, and ongoing communication to maintain public trust and program effectiveness.
Mayor Simmons asked for questions from the Council.
Vice Mayor McLean commented on the Camp Justice model, noting that having a designated location provides law enforcement with a practical alternative to direct individuals, rather than simply moving them along. It was also highlighted that such a site could improve safety during high fire-risk conditions by reducing encampments in wooded areas.
Ms. Platt and Mr. Golling spoke about the effectiveness of structured shelter programs, noting measurable reductions in homelessness and related impacts. Examples included a reported decrease in encampments and significant reductions in cleanup costs and waste, demonstrating that coordinated, referral-based shelter models can improve community conditions while providing meaningful outcomes. Platt Unsheltered Study Session May 4. 2026 City Council Special Meeting Minutes acknowledged the effectiveness of Placer County's shelter model, noting its measurable reduction in homelessness despite a larger population. She commended the program's success and broader regional efforts, highlighting it as a strong example for consideration. Galling noted that a structured, referralbased shelter program in Elk Grove, that is limited to local residents, has resulted in a sustained 65% reduction in encampments and significantly decreased cleanup needs, demonstrating both community impact and cost savings.
Mayor Simmons calledfor public comment.from the public.
Tom Consolo asked about where the shelter was located and the cost and size of the community. Mr.
Galling replied that the mobile temporary shelter model in the Auburn area operates with an annual budget of approximately $1.5 million, serving a community of roughly 13,000 residents.
Rebecca McCurdy emphasized the importance of structured environments that include rules, accountability, and support services to help individuals transition back into the community. She expressed that providing a designated place with expectations for cleanliness and behavior can improve outcomes, and encouraged a more compassionate, solution-oriented approach rather than relying primarily on enforcement.
Cole Guirlani asked how the shelter site was selected, including zoning considerations, and requested information on the funding and resources required to establish the program. Mr. Galling answered that the site was selected due to its availability as unused public land and its proximity to existing services, making it a practical interim location within a larger planned redevelopment area. Zoning limitations influenced the use of tents for sleeping, with nearby buildings used for services like meals and case management. While specific startup costs were not available, it was noted that similar programs are funded through a combination of grants, behavioral health funding, and significant private donations, suggesting a viable path forward with multiple funding sources.
City Manager Simpson inquired about the level of community philanthropy supporting the Auburn program, specifically whether nearby businesses and restaurants contribute donations to help sustain operations. Mr. Golling noted that strong community philanthropy significantly supports operations, with meals costing approximately $0.30 each due to donations from local restaurants, businesses, and volunteers. A privately donated commercial kitchen enables compliant meal preparation, and proximity to nearby retail and commercial areas provides accessible employment opportunities for program participants.
Ms. Platt presented a proposal for a low-barrier, managed outdoor shelter combined with a centralized service hub and intensive case management. She emphasized that homelessness in Jackson persists due to barriers such as limited transportation, complex service access, and lack of affordable housing, not lack of effort. The model would provide a secure, monitored site with 24-hour oversight, allowing individuals (including those with pets) to stabilize while accessing coordinated services in one location. The goal is to create a temporary bridge to permanent housing, reduce impacts on public spaces, improve community safety, and prioritize serving local unsheltered individuals through a structured and accountable system.
Mayor Simmons requested clarification from Ms. Platt on the difference between "low barrier" and "high barrier" shelter models, noting the understanding that low-barrier programs have fewer screening requirements or restrictions for entry.
Unsheltered Study Session Mav 4. 2026 City Council Special Meeting Minutes Ms. Platt clarified that "low-barrier" shelters do not require sobriety or strict preconditions for entry, but still maintain rules to ensure safety and stability once inside. Participants are not permitted to use substances on-site, and behavior is monitored through supervision, controlled entry, and security measures. In contrast, "high-barrier" programs require individuals to meet conditions such as sobriety before entry. Both models serve different populations, with low-barrier approaches designed to engage individuals not yet ready for stricter programs, while still providing structure, accountability, and pathways to services and housing.
Mayor Simmons asked for any additional public comment.
Jim McCarthy expressed support for existing shelter models in Auburn and Sonora, noting they provide strong examples to follow. He emphasized that site location is a critical factor, sharing concerns about proximity to residential areas and potential impacts on nearby neighborhoods.
Becky Melville expressed strong support for a low-barrier approach, emphasizing that individuals must be met where they are to begin recovery. Drawing from personal and outreach experience, she noted that requiring sobriety before entry is often unrealistic, and that trust, structure, and consistent support are necessary first steps. She highlighted that compassion and relationship-building can lead individuals to seek treatment over time, reinforcing the need for a safe, accessible "starting point" that fosters hope and dignity.
Council members acknowledged the meeting as highly informative, noting the value of detailed presentations and real-world examples in shaping potential solutions. It was emphasized that securing grant funding is critical to moving any project forward, with direction given to prioritize timely and thorough submission of the application. Ms. Platt said that much of the preparatory work is complete, with a goal to submit soon due to rolling funding and a likely July deadline, prompting Council to request a confirmed timeline and status update.
Council expressed appreciation for the collaboration among agencies, staff, and community partners, highlighting the importance of both funding and continued community support in achieving progress.
While recognizing the complexity of the issue, members conveyed optimism about developing a workable solution and encouraged continued momentum regardless of funding outcomes. The meeting concluded with thanks to all participants and staff for their efforts and engagement.
4. SPECIAL MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Simmons adjourned the meeting at 8:35.
ATTEST:
Date Approved