CITY OF JACKSON
City Council Meeting Minutes
September 28, 2026
Mayor and Council Members John Georgette, City Clerk
Chad Simmons, Mayor
Steve McLean, Vice Mayor
Max Godde, Council Member
Connie Gonsalves, Council Member
Sierra McLean, Council Member
ABSENT: None
Josh Nelson, City Attorney (Attended Remotely)
Staff Members:
Robert Kightlinger, City Manager
Chris Mynderup, Police Chief
Ryan Pidgeon, Fire Chief
Bree Wilder, Public Works Superintendent
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 September 28, 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.
Paul Accinelli, a Jackson resident, handed out a written statement that was previously sent via email to Mayor Simmons, Building Inspector Wallace and City Manager, Kightlinger. He read the statement aloud which questioned the Amador Water Agency's approximately $4,700 capacity fee for his ADU.
Citing low water usage and the combined square footage of his home and ADU being below AW A's stated average. He expressed concerns about housing affordability and AW A's authority to impose fees on City water customers. He requested review of the City's relationship and water supply agreement with AW A and placement on a future agenda if necessary. Staff reported ongoing review and coordination with AW A. Councilmembers expressed concerns about potentially duplicative fees and suggested further review, including possible ordinance changes.
Patricia Angeja, Jackson resident, expressed concern about the theft of Interfaith Food Bank's newer truck and encouraged the City and neighboring organizations to assist. It was clarified that the theft occurred in County jurisdiction and that City police apprehended those involved.
Keith Lynch of Lynch's Auto reported that the damaged truck was being repaired and expected to return to service the following week.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR.
September 28, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
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 September 14, 2026 Meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Expenditure Report in the amount of $314,796.95 c. Receive Unaudited June 2026 Treasurer's Report.
d. Receive Homeless Outreach Monthly Report for August 2026. e. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-37 Appointing Representative and Alternate Representative to the Northern California Cities Self Insurance Fund Board of Directors. f. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-38 Accepting the Completion of the 2026 Sewer Improvement - Project A and Filing a Notice of Completion and Authorizing Recordation Therefore.
g. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-39 for the Completion of the City Roofing Project, and Filing a Notice of Completion and Authorizing Recordation Therefore. h. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-40 Awarding Campbell Construction General Engineering, Inc. the construction contract for the Perry and Llyoda Street Waterline Replacement Project.
1. Approval of FY 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant and the required City of Jackson cost share of $2,666.67 and authorize the Fire Chief and City Manager to execute all necessary documents associated with the grant.
Mayor Simmons called for a Motion.
Motion to Approve the Consent Calendar dated September 28, 2026 as presented. Moved by Vice Mayor 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
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 Superintendent. Bree Wilder - Reported a water leak near the car wash on French Bar Road. Crews planned to begin repairs at approximately 3:30-4:00 a.m. the following morning to complete the necessary water shutdown before nearby businesses opened. A contractor installing fencing behind Grocery Outlet struck a water line twice, causing a break on the second strike. Another contractor damaged a service line at Jackson Creek Townhomes on Friday afternoon. Neither contractor had a USA ticket. Both repairs were completed, and the contractors will be invoiced for the City's time and expenses.
Fire Chief, Ryan Pidgeon - Thanked the Council for approving grant funding for a vehicle exhaust removal system at Station 132 to improve personnel health and safety. He explained that the system will activate automatically when a fire engine starts and disconnect as the vehicle exits. Bids are being obtained for pneumatic or magnetic systems, with no additional costs anticipated.
September 28. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
Chief Pidgeon also thanked Mary and Tyx Pulskamp and the staff at Rosebuds Cafe for partnering with the Fire Department on a takeover fundraiser. Fire personnel served as waitstaff, raising $1,483.29 for the Hook and Ladder Association.
Police Chief. Chris Mynderup-Police ChiefMynderup had no formal report and was available for questions. He briefly introduced Ammo, the new station cat, noting that she has made his office her safe space.
City Attorney, Joshua Nelson - No report.
City Manager, Robe,t Kightlinger - Reported that annual audit preparations are underway and are supporting the finance transition as Dalacie retires and Angie assumes leadership.
A survey of the Busi property is being scheduled, and staff is preparing an $8.5 million grant application due in December to support development of the Oro de Amador property. Grant results are expected early next summer.
He is also coordinating efforts to bring a farmers market back to Jackson, potentially on Sunday afternoons, pending agreement on a location.
Several Council-directed resolutions are under legal review.
Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick will host a town hall at the Civic Center on October 7th from 5:00- 7:00 p.m.
Kightlinger announced that the City will receive a $500,000 state grant for improvements to the Jackson pool and footbridge, including ADA compliance, and thanked Senator Alvarado-Gil for her support.
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 -Announced the birth of her first granddaughter. She reported attending and donating at the Fill the Boot fundraiser, noted that she missed the Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee meeting, and stated that the next Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for September 30.
Councilmember Godde - Reported meeting with the City Manager and residents along the South Fork of Jackson Creek regarding winter flooding concerns. He assured residents that the City would coordinate creek clearing when CAL FIRE crews become available. He also visited the wastewater treatment plant and discussed opportunities for an existing operator to eventually become chief operator, commending the crew.
Godde attended the Amador Senior Center board meeting and reported that he and his wife delivered 37 meals to homebound Jackson residents. He noted that the Senior Center served approximately 82,000 meals during the previous fiscal year.
Mayor Simmons suggested reviewing California OES resources regarding anticipated El Nifio conditions.
In response to Councilmember Gonsalves' question about dredging, Public Works Superintendent Wilder explained that the current permit allows only minor emergency dredging. Broader dredging would require funding and permits, and nearby sewer mains present additional concerns. He noted ongoing discussions with Caltrans regarding the South A venue area and anticipated creek-clearing crews within the next two September 28. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
weeks, with additional time devoted to vegetation removal.
Councilmember Sierra McLean -Requested that staff prepare the Civic Center for potential use as a temporary emergency shelter during winter storms, noting its use during the February storms and concerns for residents in flood-prone homes. She also reported meeting with Homeless Outreach Coordinator Christine Platt, commended her work, and attended the Fill the Boot fundraiser, noting a strong turnout.
Vice Mayor Steve McLean -Reported attending a Chamber of Commerce meeting. He has also shared that he has been busy assisting with cardboard recycling at his son's business in Pine Grove as the Senior Cardboard Recycling Manager.
Mayor Simmons -Mayor Simmons reported attending a Jackson tourism meeting with Councilmember Gonsalves, where participants discussed ideas to promote the community that could be referred to the Economic Development Committee for coordination. He also attended the Hospice Art Auction dinner in Plymouth and the Amador Community Foundation donor appreciation dinner.
Simmons participated in the Event Planning Ad-Hoc Committee meeting, which focused on upcoming events, including Christmas Delights, and helped install cornstalk decorations downtown.
He also reported that the Jackson Rancheria plans to permanently donate its synthetic skating rink and skates to the City for future events, pending a follow-up conversation.
6. DISCUSSION CALENDAR.
a. 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 introduced Gordon, a veteran connected through the VA who assists with shower services and helps keep the site clean and orderly. She thanked him for his support during her assistant's absence and acknowledged Ben Crocker for removing collected leaves.
Platt reported that a client housed through a program supporting individuals with disabilities during the Social Security application process had passed away. Two additional referrals are pending, with housing stabilization anticipated soon. She also worked with field medicine providers to help a client obtain needed surgery and is now exploring housing options for that individual.
She attended a CalAIM provider event addressing transportation, housing, and medical support, as well as an Access California regional event regarding the transition to the Behavioral Health Services Act. She discussed expanded opportunities for individuals with substance use disorders to access treatment and housing assistance, along with funding support for Valley View Commons. Encampment Resolution Fund grant awards were expected to be announced October 1st.
Police Chief Mynderup commended Christine Platt for coordinating with a parole agent after a parolee with no local ties was brought to Jackson without advance notification. Her efforts resulted in the parolee and his girlfriend being picked up for relocation elsewhere. Mynderup stated that he would pursue an explanation and seek to prevent similar incidents. Platt recommended addressing the matter with Department of Corrections headquarters and reported that the agent agreed to provide advance notice if a similar placement occurs.
Platt and City Manager Kightlinger discussed improvements to outreach reporting, including tracking shower participation separately from case management contacts and compiling cumulative data to September 28. 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
evaluate program outcomes. Council emphasized keeping the shower site and nearby cemetery clean and discouraging loitering and unauthorized access.
Platt clarified that housing assistance includes temporary stabilization through County Social Services while clients pursue Social Security benefits, as well as pathways to permanent housing, subsidized housing, veterans' housing, and family reunification. She noted that the two pending placements would be in county-funded hotel accommodations.
Discussion also addressed the City's financial burden in providing outreach and emergency services. Platt stated that the City's outreach work relies primarily on grants without direct County financial support.
Members discussed the Sonora and Tuolumne County partnership as a potential model, while acknowledging local property constraints and the need for greater City and County coordination. b. Discussion arid possible approval of Resolution No. 2026-41 opposing the proposed conversion of Argonaut High School to a junior high school and supporting the continued use of Argonaut High School as the countywide high school for Amador County.
City Manager Kightlinger explained that the resolution advocates retaining Argonaut as the countywide high school if consolidation proceeds, citing benefits to students, community growth, and Jackson's economy.
Council discussion focused on campus size, future enrollment capacity, traffic safety, and potential impacts to local businesses. Mayor Simmons noted Argonaut's larger campus and opportunities for expansion. Members emphasized the need for a comprehensive traffic study and coordination with the school district and Amador County Transportation Commission regarding Argonaut Lane, Highway 49, Wicklow Way, and the proposed Sutter Street extension.
Mayor Simmons called for Public Comment.
Tom Consolo, a Jackson resident, expressed concern that converting Argonaut High School to a junior high would increase parent drop-off, pickup, and bus traffic on already congested Argonaut Lane. He noted that younger students depend more on transportation from others, while many older high school students drive themselves. He also raised concerns about access from Highway 49 to Wicklow Way and urged completion of a comprehensive traffic study and necessary infrastructure improvements before consolidation proceeds. Consolo emphasized the need for a clear plan and referenced community opposition during the former Jackson High School closure.
Keith Lynch opposed converting Argonaut High School to a junior high and questioned claims that consolidation was necessary to avoid receivership or improve education. He cited successful graduates from both high schools and urged the district to prioritize financial management, restore public trust, and pursue smaller improvement projects. He also expressed concern about increased traffic and encouraged residents to consider their District 1 trustee's vote at the October 21st School Board meeting before casting election ballots.
Kandi Thompson, a Jackson resident and former school board member, emphasized the economic importance of retaining Argonaut High School in Jackson. She questioned the financial justification for consolidation, stating that the district was not currently facing receivership and that budget concerns could be addressed through spending changes. She also questioned whether both campuses had been equally evaluated and raised concerns about incomplete traffic studies, limited capacity at Amador High School, and future expansion costs. Thompson urged consideration of alternatives before proceeding and encouraged Councilmembers to attend the October 21st School Board meeting to advocate for Jackson.
September 28. 2026 Citv Council Meeting Minutes
Ronnie Gold, of lone, opposed the proposal, citing economic impacts, potential disruption to students and teachers, and the need for a completed traffic study before a vote. He added that Ione was expected to respond to the school board by the end of the month and expressed his belief that the City would also oppose the proposal. He urged collaboration among cities and the school district, emphasizing the need for community support and agreement on a plan affecting students and families.
Patricia Angeja reiterated her request for collaboration among all cities, the County, and the school district to make the best use of limited resources and support students and communities, regardless of whether consolidation proceeds or is deferred.
With no further discussion Mayor Simmons called for a Motion.
Motion to pass Resolution 2026-41. Moved by Vice Mayor Steve McLean, 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
7. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Simmons adjourned the regular meeting at 7:44 pm to go into Closed Session.
ATTEST:
Date Approved