ESCALON MIINUTES 5 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ESCALON MIEETING OF FEBRUARY 18, 2025 City Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry Avenue -7:00 P.M. - ETD MARCH Beginning Resolution No. 03-25 Beginning Ordinance No. 599 Beginning Minute Order No. 12-25 PRESENT: Mayor Andrew Hagan Mayor Pro Tem Malinda Walker Councilmember JeffKay STAFF PRESENT: Jaylen French, City Manager (CM) Celinda Bickner, Finance Director/HR Administrator (FDHRA) Juston Collins, Public Works Superintendent (PWS) Robert Hardgraves, Chief of Police Frank Splendorio, City Attorney Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk EXCUSED: Councilmember Jeremy Engle Councilmember Shawn Strohman CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Approve Minutes from the Meeting of] February 3, 2025 2. Approve Register of Demands for the Month of January-February 2025 in the Amount of $176,559.69 MOTION - it is m/s by WALKER/KAY that the consent calendar be approved as presented. Motion carried 3-0 (Engle/Strohman Excused) MINUTE ORDER 10-25 STAFF COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES 3. February Staff Updates a. Treasurer's Report for January b. Police Department Report for January C. Animal Control Report for January d. Recreation Department Report for January e. Development Services Report for January f. Public Works Report for January g. Building Department Report for. January h. Waste Water Treatment Plant Report for January i. City Manager's Report (verbal) FDHRA Bicker presented the January treasurer's report. Mayor Pro Tem Walker praised the visuals in the monthly Treasurer": S reports, noting that they were very helpful. Chief Hardgraves announced that Officer Gunter, a new hire, was informally sworn in this week and began work on February 18, 2025. He also shared that Officer Geck has started patrolling on the motorcycle after successfully completing the required course. Additionally, Officer Jumaoas has completed his FTO (Field Training Officer) training. PWS Collins provided an update on the Maintenance Worker position recruitment and confirmed that the Dent area sidewalk infill project is on schedule. While there have been normal questions and concerns about the project, he noted that no negative issues has been raised thus far. He also reported that the fields at Hogan Park are in great condition and will be ready for the upcoming baseballsoftball season. City Manager French updated the Council on the City's coordination with the Escalon Library and Escalon Youth Center for the proposed Asset Forfeiture Grant from the San Joaquin County District Attorney's office. He also announced that a community workshop would be held for the proposed Murphy Ranch Project on March 3, 2025 at 6:00 pm at City Hall. And that staff plans to present a 2025-2026 Strategic Plan for Council's consideration on March 3, 2025. CM French provided an update on the status and latest efforts of the City's Surface Water and Wastewater Projects. Councilmember Kay inquired if staff had yet met with the individuals who have been identified to help project manage the wastewater treatment plant project. CM French responded that a meeting is scheduled for this week to review one proposal, and that staff would meet with another individual who had been recommended to the City for the role. Mayor Pro Tem Walker asked if the City had applied for State or Federal grants for the WWTP project. CM French responded that the City had not applied, as additional work is needed to determine the scope oft the project. She also inquired about when the industrial discharge rates and whether the fees should be re-evaluated. CM French explained that the rates were set several years ago and that staff was evaluating the current rates. Mayor Pro Tem Walker shared that she and Councilmember Strohman attended the League of California Cities Mayor and Council Academy and how informative the conference was. MATTERS PRESENTED FROM THE AUDIENCE None ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 4. Consider Planning Commission Applicant Interviews City Manager French reported that the City received four applications for the vacant Planning Commission seat, and outlined that the Council could decide whether to conduct interviews, and ifs sO, to identify a date. Mayor Hagan expressed that it is fair to interview each candidate to select the most qualified. Mayor Pro Tem Walker and Councilmember Kay agreed with this approach. Interviews for the candidates were scheduled for March 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm. 5. Request for Authorization to Apply for a DUI Enforcement Grant Through the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program. Chief Hardgraves requested to apply for a grant to purchase three (3) SoToxa roadside drug screening devices to enhance real-time drug-related DUI enforcement. Councilmember Kay asked about the training required to use the devices, and Chief Hardgraves confirmed that the company would provide the necessary training. MOTION - it was m/s by WALKER/KAY to Authorize the Escalon Police Department to Apply for the Enforcement Grant Through the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program for the Purchase of Three (3) SoToxa Roadside Drug Screening Devices. Motion passed 3-0 Engle/Strohman Excused) MINUTE ORDER 11-25. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Councilmember Kay made clear his position on the Landscape and Lighting District (LLD) vote from the prior Council meeting, and provided information on the research he had performed to get to that decision. Councilmember Kay noted that he had met with the resident who requested the agenda item to review his questions and concerns for about 1.5 hours and then researched the matter. He then clarified with present councilmembers ifhe had held discussions with them prior to the February 3 council meeting; to which they responded no. Mayor Pro Tem Walker then mentioned that the resident had asked if she would support the agenda item, to which she replied that she supports any request before the Council. Councilmember Kay expressed disappointment over certain social media comments suggesting collusion among councilmembers before the meeting, calling it untrue. He voiced frustration over people commenting without all the facts and encouraged them to attend meetings for better understanding. Councilmember Kay ended with complimenting Officer Palomino on the great job he's doing and to keep up the great work and welcomed Officer Gunter to the department. Mayor Pro Tem Walker expressed her satisfaction with the progress oft the Dent Sidewalk Project, praising its appearance. She also shared her experience at the League of California Cities Mayor and Council Academy, highlighting the valuable information and networking opportunities with neighboring cities. Noting that she isn't active on social media, she lamented how positive news often goes unnoticed while the negative news gets more attention, and encouraged anyone wishing to contact her to do SO via email or phone. Mayor Hagan emphasized the importance of transparency and encouraged community engagement, stressing that the Council genuinely serves the public with no hidden agenda. He addressed the issue of slander and divisiveness, urging citizens to engage in good faith. He invited residents to attend meetings, speak up, and reach out individually when necessary. Regarding meeting decorum, moving forward everyone will have five minutes to speak unless more time is needed, but all participants should be prepared for productive, respectful conversations. Mayor Hagan called for an end to emotionally charged outbursts and disrespectful behavior, highlighting the need for mutual respect in community discussions. ADJOURMMENT Mayor Hagan adjourned the meeting at 7:56 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, ukilubnskes Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk