CITY OF
CALIFOR NIA
CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
June 22, 2026
Mayor and Council Members
Chad Simmons, Mayor
Steve McLean, Vice Mayor
Connie Gonsalves, Council Member
Sierra McLean, Council Member
ABSENT:
Max Godde, Council Member
John Georgette, City Clerk
Kyler Rayden, City Attorney (Attended Remotely)
Staff Members:
Chris Mynderup, Interim City Manager/Police Chief
Ryan Pidgeon, Fire Chief
Bree Wilder, Public Works Superintendent
Dana Knight, Administrative Assistant
Mayor Simmons called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. CEREMONIAL.
ChiefMynderup introduced Jason Green, highlighting his background in law enforcement, public service, and the utility industry, as well as his volunteer service with the Jackson Police Department as a Community Service Officer since August 2025. With his completion of POST recertification, Jason Green was sworn in by City Clerk Georgette, as the City of Jackson's newest Reserve Police Officer.
Newly appointed Planning Commissioner Mikey Zivanovic was sworn in by City Clerk Georgette. Vice Mayor Steve McLean shared that a plaque will be added to recognize the painting gifted by Bishop Maxim, connecting Jackson to sister cities in Serbia/Bosnia.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Motion to Approve the City Council Agenda dated June 22, 2026, as presented. Moved by Councilmember Sierra McLean, seconded by Vice Chair Steve McLean, and carried by a 4 to 0 vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
Godde
None
3. 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. [None]
4. 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.
Mayor Simmons pulled Item g to the Discussion Calendar as part of Item 7c.
June 22. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
from the Fire and Police Departments, and work resumed promptly. Wilder also reported that installation of the new City Hall HV AC system had begun, the Red Cross completed repairs to the Council Chambers ceiling damaged by a previous leak, and staff is preparing to advertise the Perry Street water line project for bid as part of next year's Capital Improvement Program.
Fire Chief. Ryan Pidgeon - Reported that fire personnel provided EMT standby coverage for the Botilleas Dinner without incident. Engine 6333 was briefly out of service but was quickly repaired in-house, resulting in significant cost savings. The department also plans to conduct its annual vegetation bum behind the Senior Center once conditions are suitable and will provide advance public notice. In preparation for the July 3 holiday, Chief Pidgeon reminded residents to clear weeds and vegetation around their properties and practice fire safety during fireworks activities.
Poli.ce Chief. Chris Mynderup- Reported on the successful multi-agency response to the recent gas line rupture, thanking the California Highway Patrol, Sheriffs Office, Probation, and the Ione and Sutter Creek Police Departments for their assistance with evacuations, traffic control, and public safety. The Civic Center was opened as an evacuation center, and staff coordinated public notifications through the Sheriffs alert system and City communication channels. The Council noted the importance of providing timely updates to local radio stations during emergencies. Chief Mynderup also reported that officers provided security at the Botilleas Dinner without incident and are finalizing staffing and operational plans for the July 3 parade and community celebration.
City Attorney. Kyler Raden -No report.
6. 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 the Economic Development Committee continues preparations for the July 3 parade, with approximately 20 entries received to date. She noted that the parade entry fee has been waived and encouraged nonprofits and community organizations to participate.
She also reported attending the TOT Committee meeting, complimented the successful Botilleas Dinner on Main Street, and noted that the Amador Fire Protection Authority is scheduled to hold its first meeting in nearly two years later this week.
Councilmember Godde - Reported that he would be attending upcoming Cemetery Board, Amador Council of Tourism, and Kennedy Mine Foundation meetings. He stated that he would provide a more detailed report on recent meetings at the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Sierra McLean - No report.
Councilmember Steve McLean- Reported that much of his time was dedicated to planning and coordinating the successful Botilleas Dinner on Main Street. He also participated in a ride-along with the Amador County Public Works Department to review maintenance responsibilities along French Bar Road and discuss a new road maintenance machine being evaluated by the Amador County Transportation Commission, which may provide future cost savings for road maintenance.
Mayor Simmons - Reported attending the Economic Development Committee meeting for the July 3 parade, the Chamber mixer at the Volcano Theatre, the Chamber Summit Dinner at the Kennedy Mine June 22. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
with representatives from chambers throughout the Mother Lode region, a Chamber Board meeting, and the successful Botilleas Dinner on Main Street.
7. DISCUSSION CALENDAR.
a. Public Hearing 2026 Water Rate Study Final Recommendation Presentation. [Mark Hildebrand, Hildebrand Consulting]
Water rate consultant Mark Hildebrand presented the final recommendations for the 2026 Water Rate Study, summarizing the financial analysis, cost-of-service review, and proposed rate structure completed in accordance with Proposition 218.
Hildebrand explained that the study identified increasing operating costs, particularly wholesale water purchases from the Amador Water Agency, projected annual inflationary increases, rising insurance costs, and the need to fund aging infrastructure as the primary drivers for the proposed rate adjustments. He highlighted the City's reserve policy, long-term financial planning, and upcoming capital improvements, including a future reservoir rehabilitation project estimated at approximately $8 million, noting that the proposed rates would help prepare for these costs while maintaining adequate reserves.
The proposed rate schedule includes average annual increases of 9%, 9%, 9%, 8%, and 5% over five years. Hildebrand noted that first-year impacts would vary by customer class due to cost-of-service adjustments, after which all customer classes would receive the same annual percentage increases. He also compared Jackson's water rates with neighboring communities, noting they remain generally in the middle of the regional range.
Hildebrand reviewed the extensive public outreach process, including multiple City Council presentations, stakeholder workshops, and the Proposition 218 notice mailed to property owners. He concluded by outlining the public hearing process, including receiving public testimony, summarizing written protests, tallying protest ballots, and determining whether a majority protest existed before the Council could consider adopting the proposed rates.
Mayor Simmons opened the Public Hearing and asked for public comment.
David Drumm on, Jackson resident, asked whether the example of monthly water rate increases presented included sewer charges. Staff clarified that the examples reflected water service charges only and did not include sewer fees. Hildebrand invited to discuss their specific billing questions following the presentation.
With no further public comments, Mayor Simmons closed the Public Hearing.
Following the close of public comment, Mayor Simmons confirmed the total of written protests received was 103, which did not constitute the majority protest required under Proposition 218. With no majority protest, Council proceeded to Item 7b to consider the adoption of the 2026 water rate service charges. b. Possible adoption of Resolution No. 2026-25 Setting Water Service Charges June 22. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Simmons called for public comment, hearing none he called/or a motion.
Motion to Approve Resolution No. 2026-25 Setting Water Service Charges. Moved by Vice Mayor Steve McLean, seconded by Councilmember Gonsalves, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
Godde
None
c. Review of proposals and possible award of FY 26/27 Measure E / TOT Grants with recommendations from the Advisory Committee.
Mayor Simmons announced a lack of a quorum for the grant request for the Jackson Lions Club stating that it will be tabled until the next City Council meeting. He then conferred with legal counsel regarding his need to abstain from participating in the grant request from the Amador County Chamber of Commerce. Counsel advised that Mayor Simmons recuse himself and leave the room during the discussion regarding the Amador County Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Simmons invited the Amador County Chamber of Commerce to come up to the podium first and left the room.
Matt Toma, representing the Amador County Chamber of Commerce, spoke of the Chamber's positive partnership with the City, noting the success of events such as the Car Show and Christmas Delights in attracting visitors and supporting local businesses and thanked the City for its ongoing collaboration and support.
The Council praised the Chamber's partnership with the City and Council Member Gonsalves who was part of the Advisory Committee shared that the Measure E/TOT Committee recommended fully funding its $30,000 request.
Vice Mayor Steve McLean called for public comment and hearing none asked for a motion.
Motion to Award Measure E/TOT grant money in the amount of $30,000 to Amador County Chamber of Commerce. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Sierra McLean, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
Godde
None
Mayor Simmons returned to the Council Chambers and called for a representative for Baker Street West to the podium.
There was no representative from Baker Street West, so Council Member Gonsalves was asked to speak about the Advisory Committee's discussion. She reported that Baker Street West provided a detailed presentation outlining its recent relocation, the volunteer effort required to rebuild sets and props, and the associated material costs. The committee also noted the theater's ability to attract visitors from outside the June 22. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
region, including an upcoming group of international Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts traveling from Europe, generating tourism and economic activity. Based on its demonstrated tourism benefits, the committee recommended fully funding the organization's $7,000 request. Council members agreed, recognizing Baker Street West's community value, volunteer efforts, and continued investment in the theater.
Mayor Simmons called for public comment and hearing none asked for a motion.
Motion to Award Measure E/TOT grant money in the amount of $7,000 to Baker Street West.
Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Steve McLean, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
Godde
None
Mayor Simmons called for a representative from the Historic Jackson Business Association to the podium.
No representative from the Historic Jackson Business Association was present. Council Member Gonsalves reported that the Economic Development Advisory Committee reviewed the Association's $16,300 grant request and noted that approximately $4,000 in prior-year grant funds remained unspent.
The Committee recommended removing the requested funding for street cleaning, as the City can perform those services in-house, and instead prioritizing funding for the proposed mural project, portable restrooms, and other Christmas Delights expenses. The Committee recommended approving an $8,000 grant award.
Mayor Simmons called for public comment and hearing none asked for a motion.
Motion to Award Measure E/TOT grant money in the amount of $8,000 to the Historic Jackson Business Association. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Sierra McLean, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
Godde
None
Mayor Simmons called for a representative from the Kennedy Mine Foundation to the podium.
No representative from the Kennedy Mine Foundation was present. Council Member Gonsalves reported that the Advisory Committee reviewed the Foundation's $6,500 grant request. The Committee was informed that restoration of the historic tailing wheel has revealed more extensive deterioration than originally anticipated, requiring significant additional repairs. Recognizing the project's historical significance, the volunteer efforts supporting the restoration, and plans to protect the wheel with an enclosure once completed, the Committee recommended approving the full grant request of $6,500.
Mayor Simmons called/or public comment and hearing none asked for a motion.
June 22. 2026 Citv Council Meeting Minutes
Motion to Award Measure E/TOT grant money in the amount of $6,500 to the Kennedy Mine Foundation. Moved by Councilmember Gonsalves, seconded by Councilmember Steve McLean, and carried by a 4 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Simmons, Steve McLean, Gonsalves, Sierra McLean
None
Godde
None
The council addressed the application submitted from the Amador County College Connect Foundation with Council Member Gonsalves reporting that the Advisory Committee reviewed the Foundation's grant request and determined that the proposed early childhood education and workforce training program, while beneficial to the community, did not have a sufficient connection to tourism or the intended use of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) grant funding. The Committee concluded that the proposal did not meet the program's funding criteria and unanimously recommended that the grant request not be funded.
The Council briefly discussed the Lions Club application regarding bollards for event use. Police Chief Mynderup and Public Works Superintendent Wilder agreed the proposal offered public safety benefits but noted that additional evaluation would be needed regarding the appropriate location, particularly along Main Street, and coordination with Caltrans requirements. Staff also noted the importance of selecting durable installation hardware to ensure long-term functionality. The Council agreed to address these issues when the application is presented at the next council meeting.
The total amount of Measure E/TOT grant money awarded at this meeting was $51,500.00.
8. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Simmons called for public comment on closed session items. Hearing none, he adjourned the regular meeting at 7:31 pm to go into Closed Session.
9. CLOSED SESSION.
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code § 54954.S(f)) Agency designated representatives: Chris Mynderup, Josh Nelson Employee organizations (under discussion): JPF A, JPOA
10. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Simmons reported out from closed session at 7:45 pm with no reportable action.
ATTEST:
Date Approved