CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 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:
Chris Mynderup, Interim City Manager/Police Chief
Ryan Pidgeon, Fire Chief
Matt Ospital, City Engineer
Christine Platt, Homeless Outreach Coordinator
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 July 13, 2026, as presented Moved by Councilmember Steve 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
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. [None]
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 June 22, 2026 Meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Reports in the amounts of$49,064.31 (7/1/26) & $520,854.08 (7/9/26). c. Approval of June 2026 Payroll Expenditure Report in the amount of $493,458.10. d. Receive Treasurer's Report for April 2026.
e. Receive Building Department Monthly Report for June 2026. f. Receive Fire Department Monthly Report for June 2026. g. Receive Police Department Monthly Report for June 2026. h. Receive Homeless Outreach Coordinator Report for June 2026.
1. Receive Contract Engineer's Project Status Update report (April-June 2026).
J. Approval to reappoint Debbie Collins and Jim Guidi to the Planning Commission for two more years following the expiration of their terms on June 30, 2026. k. Approval of Cemetery Committee's recommendation to reappoint Marjorie Stampfl and Jim Wilson to the Cemetery Committee for two more years following the expiration of their terms on June 30, 2026.
July 13. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
I. Approval of Request to Increase Volunteer Firefighter Emergency Response Reimbursement. m. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-26 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Agreements with the California Department of Transportation for the City of Jackson's Historic Downtown & Creek Walk Connectivity Project.
n. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-27 Accepting the Completion of the SR 49 HSIP Street Lighting Project and Filing a Notice of Completion and Authorizing Recordation Therefore. o. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-28 Awarding the Construction Contract for the Stark Lane Bridge Replacement to R. Sutton Enterprises, LLC.
Mayor Simmons called for Public Comment, hearing none, he called for a Motion.
Motion to Approve the Consent Calendar dated July 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.
Fire Chie[ Ryan Pidgeon - Reported that the July 3
rd event was successful with no fire-related issues. He thanked CAL FIRE, Mokelumne Hill Fire Department, and the Amador Fire Protection District for providing standby assistance during the event. Chief Pidgeon also reported that the department responded to two small vegetation fires during the past month, both of which were quickly contained by crews. He noted that recent vegetation clearing by a property owner helped prevent one fire from becoming more significant, emphasizing the importance of ongoing weed and grass abatement.
Police Chief. Chris Mynderup- Reported that the July 3 celebration was well attended and concluded without significant public safety issues. He thanked Warden Lewis Garika and staff from Mule Creek State Prison for providing additional patrol personnel at the park, noting their presence helped deter illegal aerial fireworks. Chief Mynderup also recognized Officer Jordan Thurman for successfully preparing and submitting a competitive Cannabis Tax Fund Grant application. The City was awarded $89,257 to support DUI enforcement efforts, including a dedicated DUI patrol vehicle, saturation patrols, officer training, and new preliminary breath testing devices, with funding supporting the program for one year.
City Attorney. Joshua Nelson - No report.
Matt Ospital. City Engineer -After Discussion Item a, Engineer Ospital briefed the Council on the Project Status Report that was approved from the Consent Calendar. He reported that the Clinton Road, Anita Street, and Ralph's Alley sewer projects, Highway 49 streetlight project, and City Hall HVAC installation were completed. Work is beginning on the Perry and Lloyda Streets waterline replacement project. The City received an approximately $421,000 Caltrans planning grant for the Main Street and Creek Walk Connectivity Project, requiring a $50,000 City match. The Pitt Street Bridge project continues despite hydraulic and right-of-way challenges, and the Stark Lane Bridge contract was awarded, with July 13. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
construction expected to begin soon. Ospital also stated that he would coordinate with City staff regarding feedback he received from the EPA during their presentation.
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 the inaugural July 3rd parade was a great success, with approximately 50 entries and strong spectator attendance. She thanked the American Legion for its partnership and noted that next year's parade will fall on a Saturday. She also reported participating in City Manager interviews and announced that the Amador Fire Protection Authority meeting would be held Thursday at 3:00 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors' Chambers.
Councilmember Godde- Reported that the Kennedy Mine Foundation is seeking volunteers for construction and landscaping projects on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m., as well as tour guide and gift shop volunteers on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. He also reported working with the Interim City Manager to assist the Senior Center in obtaining a lease for limited employee parking on City property during busy lunch periods. Council Member Godde inquired about a possible donation from the Native Sons of the Golden West for repairs to Tailing Wheel No. 1; staff agreed to follow up.
Councilmember Sierra McLean - Reported attending the July 3rd parade and expressed appreciation for the strong turnout. She noted that the inaugural parade was a success and looks forward to next year's event, which will be held on a Saturday.
Vice Mayor Steve McLean - Reported participating in July 3rd parade activities and the City Manager recruitment process. He noted that he was unable to attend the Amador County Transportation Commission (ACTC) meeting.
Interim City Manager Mynderup reported attending the ACTC meeting, where he expressed the City's appreciation for the recent paving work on French Bar Road. He looks forward to discussing other City roads that may benefit from the County's paving services.
Mayor Simmons -Reported attending the successful July 3rd parade and thanked EDC members Connie Gonsalves, Tracy Tonnesen, Wayne Garibaldi, and Duane Ven Huizen for their efforts in organizing the event. He also attended a July 6th ad hoc committee meeting regarding City Manager interview questions, a Chamber of Commerce open house at Main Street Theatre Works, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony welcoming Tin Roof Downtown Bistro to the Chamber.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR.
a. Presentation from the Environmental Protection Agency on the Argonaut Mine Superfund Site removal of residential contaminated soil plan for 2026 [Sania Kamran, Remedial Project Manager].
EPA representatives provided an update on the Argonaut Mine Superfund residential yard cleanup, including anticipated schedules, haul routes, traffic controls, soil removal, testing, replacement, and property restoration. Cleanup will initially focus on properties with the highest levels of arsenic, lead, and mercury, with additional sampling continuing throughout the study area. EPA stated that contaminated July 13. 2026 Citv Council Meeting Minutes
soil would generally be removed to a depth of two feet and replaced with tested clean soil, with protective barriers installed where contamination remains below that depth.
Mayor Simmons called for public comment.
Several affected residents spoke, raising concerns regarding health risks, dust, cleanup timelines, property restoration, future excavation, disclosure requirements, deed restrictions, and potential impacts on property values. EPA representatives responded to questions and agreed to continue coordinating directly with residents and property owners.
City Engineer Matt Ospital asked about requirements for future underground infrastructure projects within the cleanup area. EPA representatives stated that the City should coordinate with EPA regarding soil testing and disposal. EPA also confirmed that road impacts from cleanup equipment would be minimized and any damage repaired.
To listen to the discussion in its entirety, please visit the City website at https://wv,.rw.ci.jackson.ca.us/ and visit the City Clerk and Records page for a link to the video repository.
Mayor Simmons called for a 5-minute break before the next item. b. Presentation from the Amador County Assessors' Office on 2026 Assessment Information [Jim Rooney, Amador County Assessor].
Amador County Assessor Jim Rooney presented the annual property assessment update, noting a 2% Proposition 13 adjustment for most properties. Countywide assessed values increased 3.01 %, while Jackson's increased 1.83%. He reported thatJackson has 1,531 residences, including 924 primary residences, and noted a countywide decline in primary residences. Assistant Assessor Jeff Himmelman explained Proposition 19 property-tax transfers. Residents may contact the Assessor's Office to request a review of their property assessment.
c. Receive, discuss and provide direction regarding (verbal) report from the Homeless Outreach Coordinator regarding the City's response to outreach efforts and services [Christine Platt].
Homeless Outreach Coordinator Christine Platt reported completing and submitting the City's Encampment Resolution Fund Round 5 grant application. She continues covering both outreach positions while the Assistant Outreach Coordinator remains on medical leave. Positive client outcomes included one client entering a treatment program, one moving from shelter into permanent housing, and two others continuing to do well in their programs. Platt also hosted a barbecue for clients with support from the Police Chief and community partners. She expects to resume regular outreach activities and provide updated program data next month.
d. Review two applications from the Jackson Lions Club and possible award of FY 26/27 Measure E / TOT monies [Alan McNany, Jackson Lions Club Treasurer].
Mayor Simmons and Councilmember Gonsalves disclosed conflicts of interest regarding the Jackson Lions Club applications and recused themselves from this part of the meeting and left the building.
Alan McNany spoke on behalf of the Jackson Lions Club about their request for $8,000 in TOT funding to support the annual Fourth of July fireworks show. He reported that this year's event was highly July 13, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
successful, with record attendance attributed to the City's parade and downtown festivities and thanked public safety agencies for their support. He noted the event cost approximately $30,000, with funding provided through fireworks booth sales, an $8,000 donation from Jackson Rancheria, and community partnerships. McNany stated that the requested TOT funding would help enhance future fireworks displays and he highlighted the Lions Club's partnerships with local organizations.
Alan McNany also presented a $20,000 TOT funding request for removable safety bollards to protect pedestrians during downtown events such as parades, festivals, and the Car Show. He explained the bollards would ultimately become City property, though the Lions Club would manage the project and contribute additional funding.
Council members and staff expressed strong support for the concept but thought the proposal was premature, noting that further planning and coordination with City staff, public safety agencies, engineers, and event organizers was necessary before funding could be considered.
Vice Mayor McLean called for public comment.
Debbie Collins, Jackson resident, expressed support for the concept of removable safety bollards but questioned whether they are currently needed given the City's limited number of downtown events. She raised concerns regarding installation, impacts to the streets, storage, and emergency access, including who would have access to the keys. Collins stated she believes the proposal has merit but would benefit from additional planning before implementation.
Chief Mynderup noted that the City currently uses wooden barricades for street closures, but they can be easily moved. He recalled an incident during Dandelion Days in which an impaired driver drove through the barricades, emphasizing that such events can occur and that stronger safety measures are a worthwhile preventative investment.
Thornton Consolo, Jackson resident, expressed support for the removable bollard proposal, citing a similar system used successfully at his former high school. He suggested ensuring the bollards are highly visible to motorists and recommended considering additional warning devices, such as barricades, to reduce the risk of vehicles striking them. He encouraged further evaluation of the design and liability considerations and voiced overall support for the project.
Hearing no further public comment, the consensus of the council was to direct the Lions Club to further develop the bollard proposal for future consideration.
Vice Chair McLean called for a Motion.
Motion to Award Measure EITOT grant money in the amount of $8,000 to the Jackson Lions Club. Moved by Councilmember Godde, seconded by Councilmember Sierra McLean, and carried by a 3 to O vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Steve McLean, Godde, Sierra McLean
None
None
Gonsalves, Simmons
Mayor Simmons and Councilmember Gonsalves rejoined the meeting.
6. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
July 13, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Simmons called/or public comment on the Closed Session items. Hearing none, he adjourned the regular meeting at 8:55 pm to go into Closed Session.
7. CLOSED SESSION.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Title: City Manager
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Agency designated representatives: Chad Simmons, Connie Gonsalves Unrepresented employee: City Manager
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph ( 4) of subdivision ( d) of Section 54956.9: 1 case
8. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Simmons reported out from Closed Session at 10�13 pm with no reportable action.
ATTEST:
Date Approved