[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6083754,"mediaKeyId","2927485-4800f1d4b25e61cfce8da900967c5b4a","parentId",2927485,"title","Council forms Measure P citizens advisory committee, agrees membership and rules after extended debate","audioSeconds",1375,"startMs",3651000,"endMs",5026000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2927485-4800f1d4b25e61cfce8da900967c5b4a&start=3651&end=5026","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2927485-4800f1d4b25e61cfce8da900967c5b4a/thumbnail_3651000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6083754/Escalon-City/San-Joaquin-County/California/Council-forms-Measure-P-citizens-advisory-committee-agrees-membership-and-rules-after-extended-debate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083754-8603e009d604eaa5455813b8dc80822d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775402489&Signature=CRPe7AlEb649qYzU6WFLD6W472jc~s5BZIoq3yXO7C2KjEFVJ~WD1ceaBmLg7WhrnDOsweYQ5K4-5~Ou0tNtXR0prac5kYUJvV4iDyHTK1fPJRQVYppjJVvF5~k9w4FGA0ELcZMTISdw50fez-LaZrhN0xTDe8Ms3CYX2gu9nDgV4e8NG1w9bsZBvACDWX~A3ISDDzvmCWoBY8rswfH4b~E~R6MLStFZc6SNLzjvnUlOOz52rVdIuz7IYK2c8JZTHGMJH~6Y01na1zxfTcEzhP3SUHAFhxMyz268BqWVTYRt58t-E6Mu217LtoSO3DtEJfEv39-l8TQylJIPA~qavg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Escalon CA","date","2025-04-08T04:17:11Z","article","The council voted to create a Measure P citizens advisory committee to gather public input about how the sales tax measure's revenues should be prioritized. The motion to form the committee passed unanimously after extended council and public discussion about the committee's purpose, composition and safeguards.

Council member Jeremy Engle, who proposed the committee, said it was intended to broaden outreach beyond those who attend council meetings. \"The thought is, furthering the outreach and getting kind of boots on the ground responses, for folks,\" Engle said, noting the committee would bring community input back to council but not replace council authority.

Several council members questioned whether a committee was necessary because the elected council already represents residents; others said a standing advisory group would allow broader, ongoing input and continuity as council membership changes. Public speakers urged the council to adopt the committee so voters who approved Measure P would have a formal channel for input.

Council decisions and parameters agreed at the meeting included:
- Size: Council settled by consensus to create a five-member advisory committee to align with other city committees.
- Residency and eligibility: Members must be residents within the city's limits and registered voters, age 18 or older; the council left other qualifications (such as professional background) to be evaluated during interviews.
- Terms: Three-year terms, staggered so not all seats turn over at once; the council discussed staggering to maintain continuity.
- Governance: The committee will be a Brown Act body (open meetings) and members will be subject to Form 700 filing requirements because they advise on the use of public funds. The council retains the authority to remove members.
- Budget and logistics: Council signaled a small annual operating allowance (council discussed $500) to support outreach materials or small event costs; staff will include a fiscal note.

Council members also debated safeguards to minimize political positioning or the appearance of campaigning by committee members. City staff and the city attorney advised the council that narrow, clear responsibilities and a removal process are the primary controls; the city attorney added that eligibility to run for office cannot be restricted by the council.

After discussion, a council motion \"to approve the formation of Measure P citizens advisory committee with the amendments as provided by council\" passed unanimously.

Ending: Staff will draft the formal ordinance or resolution text and an application/interview process reflecting the council's instructions (five members, residency/voter requirement, three-year staggered terms, Brown Act and Form 700 requirements, small outreach budget) and return with a formal recruitment schedule and fiscal impact for the operating allowance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Escalon Regular City Council Meeting, April 7, 2025 7:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","After a lengthy discussion about community input and potential politicization, the City Council approved formation of a Measure P citizens advisory committee; council settled on five members, residency and voter requirements, staggered terms, Brown Act rules and a small operating budget.","taxTitle","Escalon City, San Joaquin County, California","taxId",71475,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6083759,"Council approves CDBG and HOME expenditure plans; council discusses outreach to increase take-up of services and loans",326,3321000,3647000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2927485-4800f1d4b25e61cfce8da900967c5b4a&start=3321&end=3647","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2927485-4800f1d4b25e61cfce8da900967c5b4a/thumbnail_3321000.jpg","/articles/6083759/Escalon-City/San-Joaquin-County/California/Council-approves-CDBG-and-HOME-expenditure-plans-council-discusses-outreach-to-increase-take-up-of-services-and-loans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083759-36dcc5ec59f5aabe8d60f3daa422575b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775402489&Signature=fx63O7xwdGUcPop~6wcDM5xlX0IK-UzspbKQZXBjzSxa0WHHpNyGcRJUfUeemJB5a7z10vz~gWlf6mFAisi~yGSSlRjXfmDo2A-OnlfZEOxeWMkG19ylsS~aTjmVTPuvX3VhxNa7ULHpNVe2FTYPomqUIAWCJYiTkA3pmOdDFcvxlWhlElkJclwRKzB1ebZDiHNafxDfuUV0hHJaPtSLZQCnxepR38qSozAOjDhloDHM7lLUeg~Ar7ZJUmnqsZrJqgZcrkY8W1Tdi5DF6eXBjTsijrJ8pe7yGi2gfqLH74SCrGvwYY-dSL1oBcUq14yGl5VsNArIlzE6KiuDWycuLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council held public hearings and approved expenditure plans for federal HUD-funded programs administered through the county: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) program.

Staff explained the CDBG allocation process and the city's proposed use of funds. \"We receive up to $75,000 each year from HUD, which is a federal agency through the county,\" staff said, explaining the county forwards program funds and that the city typically receives 15% for services (about $11,000) and 85% for projects (about $63,000). The draft service allocations the council reviewed included $1,500 for fair-housing services, $3,000 for Meals on Wheels, $3,500 for a mobile farmers-market program administered by a regional food bank partner, and $3,250 for aging rental assistance.

Multiple council members and a resident asked whether outreach could boost utilization of the programs; staff said outreach can be enhanced through senior programs and the city's newsletter and that the county also conducts outreach. One council member noted the rental-assistance line had helped only one Escalon resident in recent years and urged staff to increase notice of the program.

After public comment and discussion, the council moved and unanimously adopted the resolution approving an expenditure plan for Escalon's FY 2025–26 CDBG program.

On the HOME program (down-payment assistance and a housing-rehab gap loan), staff said the city receives $15,096 in the current cycle and carries approximately $22,584 available across program cycles. Staff noted the city has not historically had high take-up of those HOME funds and agreed to provide guidance and referrals to the county program for residents who inquire.

The council then unanimously approved the HOME expenditure plan resolution.

Votes at a glance:
- Motion: Approve CDBG FY 2025–26 expenditure plan (resolution). Mover: not specified in the transcript. Second: not specified. Vote: unanimous (ayes, no nays). Outcome: approved.
- Motion: Approve HOME FY 2025–26 expenditure plan (resolution). Mover: not specified in the transcript. Second: not specified. Vote: unanimous (ayes, no nays). Outcome: approved.

Ending: Council directed staff to increase local outreach for available services and said staff will work with county partners to promote HOME down-payment and rehab assistance to interested residents.","The council adopted expenditure plans for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds allocated through the county. Council members urged more outreach after staff said some programs had low take-up in Escalon.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6083763,"Council reviews 2025 pavement-restoration plan and Yosemite sidewalk/waterline project; residents raise sidewalk safety and yard-impact concerns",354,689000,1043000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2927485-4800f1d4b25e61cfce8da900967c5b4a&start=689&end=1043","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2927485-4800f1d4b25e61cfce8da900967c5b4a/thumbnail_689000.jpg","/articles/6083763/Escalon-City/San-Joaquin-County/California/Council-reviews-2025-pavement-restoration-plan-and-Yosemite-sidewalkwaterline-project-residents-raise-sidewalk-safety-and-yard-impact-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083763-5cb293f632defc8d7c7399436c197be8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775402489&Signature=DPf2bUe6iRpu5n1F9-CsGrRZfMoamTWssYQB8FiLwCqlt81IKgA2YvZSOV4VOULEeYHeA9KiEsmjkE-rHdB0ewdBY4Bv5tHpjp8I2vCafqaXaWsslBXgCrj4Xl~yLuWlA5PzIRPvDPM5CmXqZyS8rQ-p4qP4JZrV0JdKykw2aDrSahuwXO7GdvDbY7l~X4tRdNudjDMV-kkEynf75QBh-IIhKtIcW4NFic7cU4Rm96Bk2uBZPauyjSMm0~esLrwgl7tJg9T2hsd8HeYCgrZogUq~BCoy57SWoAHgb-B7JK3XrCzYldRcEMC8vRuwF0dJ2zLlS4Sw9FVBfdzusiwKbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Escalon public works staff outlined a multi-year pavement-restoration approach and described a combined sidewalk infill and waterline rehab project on Yosemite Street before the council.

A public works presenter described the city's new annual approach: alternate years of crack-seal and slurry/micro-seal treatments with the goal of cycling through the city's streets over roughly 8–11 years. \"On average ... you get 10 to 15 years out of a treatment onto an actual street,\" the presenter said.

The Yosemite Sidewalk Infill, Waterline and Pavement Overlay Project was presented as a package so the city would not install new sidewalks and later cut them up for a waterline replacement. The project includes an upgraded water main, new sidewalks, a pavement overlay and conversion of a temporary rubber speed bump to a full pavement speed hump at the current location. Staff said they plan to go out to bid later in the month and that contractors will provide at least 24–48 hours' notice to affected residents before work that requires vehicle moves.

Residents raised concerns about sidewalk damage near local schools and the condition of certain streets. Sherry, a resident, said the sidewalk sections in front of several older homes near the high school have trip hazards and large holes; she asked whether repair (replacement) — rather than new sidewalk infill — could be funded from transportation or other grants. Staff replied that transportation funds are not intended for sidewalk repair but said staff would explore other grant options, including Safe Routes to School, if the council directs them to do so.

The city attorney discussed potential conflicts of interest if council members live near a project that materially affects property values. \"Generally, if you're within 500 feet of that project and that project is a qualifying project, generally, you'd have to recuse yourself,\" the city attorney said, noting each case is fact-specific and depends on the nature of improvements.

Staff said they have done outreach to residents on the Yosemite project, have met with several property owners and plan additional door‑to‑door team walks before bids are issued. They also said they will remove the temporary rubber speed bump and replace it at the same location with a permanent pavement hump as part of the overlay.

Ending: Council and staff agreed to continue outreach and to return with the project as it proceeds toward bid; staff will explore other funding sources for sidewalk repair around schools at council direction.","Public works described an annual pavement-restoration program and a combined sidewalk, waterline and pavement overlay project on Yosemite; staff said outreach to affected residents has occurred and more door-to-door contact is planned. The city attorney flagged potential conflict-of-interest rules for council members who live near the work.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6083768,"Escalon staff reports third-quarter budget roughly on target; audit work on prior years delaying final report",567,117000,684000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2927485-4800f1d4b25e61cfce8da900967c5b4a&start=117&end=684","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2927485-4800f1d4b25e61cfce8da900967c5b4a/thumbnail_117000.jpg","/articles/6083768/Escalon-City/San-Joaquin-County/California/Escalon-staff-reports-third-quarter-budget-roughly-on-target-audit-work-on-prior-years-delaying-final-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083768-80251e15edb03ad14f22c2d1737e36b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775402489&Signature=ZAUXxj3XyRkqCa8u-TKHUwDJZTvDpbIdvce2d0I3tYMuJJ8nYjEjeE0vCrNSq9jaENWwOCH9wTql1Jhzk7JQ5IG8Oi~mTdZdE1E8ULLE-dlkWZ9SFYvLxBF4sr1HA5SGjqZA26FO5PXvbK4mu01A6ANpom9pK3LQH4v9MdoAXHK7fQZwEC90uLVkLowdAHpWyAcSVkp51wRyidiYiG0oirw41goasulAkSIzKpuN7NOU4aM7RBQnc-hjtXplkXDF0G66~cZitpRp7ZWoUS5x~d6EnMO6s0w1dczAYcHCRPiSqTPu2AdrI4q7cDxnaocWMPietsFW4kuiRMeqmfd58w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Escalon City staff reported on third-quarter budget results and answered council questions about a delayed audit at the council meeting.

Celinda, a city finance staff member, told the council that at quarter three the city had realized about 71% of expected revenues and had expended about 77% of the budget, compared with a straight-line target of roughly 75% for both measures. \"At mid year we were looking at about a $50,000 deficit; right now we're at a $44,000,\" Celinda said, adding the city has spent about $434,000 less year-to-date than at the same point last year.

The staff presentation noted several one-time receipts that increased third-quarter revenues, including investment income that exceeded budgeted expectations and a $183,700 donation from the estate of Mark Reagan. Celinda said the donation is recorded in miscellaneous revenue in the general fund and will remain separate until the council identifies a targeted use.

Why it matters: the numbers affect how staff will propose the fiscal 2025–26 budget and whether the city needs midyear adjustments. Celinda said the city typically receives a disproportionate share of revenues in the last two quarters of the fiscal year and that, on a straight-line basis, the city is on track to reach a balanced budget by June.

Council members asked about the status of the city audit. Celinda said the 2024 audit is taking longer than expected because auditors are reconciling transactions from 2023 prepared by the previous auditor. \"They are taking a little more time, pretty much proving out the old numbers,\" she said. City staff later said the audit is expected to come back to a future meeting (staff suggested the first meeting in May), and that the 2024 transactions themselves are clean.

The presentation included department-level detail: public works had spent a notably smaller share of its budget, while recreation had exceeded its budgeted line and may need adjustments in the next budget cycle. Celinda recommended continuing to monitor actuals, reduce costs where possible, and align enterprise-fund expenses away from the general fund.

The council did not take formal budget action at the meeting; members were briefed and asked questions about outreach and how one-time revenues will be tracked. Staff said it will provide further reports showing where the Mark Reagan donation is ultimately spent.

Ending: Councilmembers expressed confidence in staff's reporting and asked that audit timing and any programmatic uses of one-time funds be tracked back to future council agendas for transparency.","City finance staff told the City Council that third-quarter revenues are slightly below straight-line expectations while expenses are modestly above; staff said one-time revenues and slower audit reconciliation of prior-year figures explain the differences.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council forms Measure P citizens advisory committee, agrees membership and rules after extended debate

Council approves CDBG and HOME expenditure plans; council discusses outreach to increase take-up of services and loans

Council reviews 2025 pavement-restoration plan and Yosemite sidewalk/waterline project; residents raise sidewalk safety and yard-impact concerns

Escalon staff reports third-quarter budget roughly on target; audit work on prior years delaying final report