CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF HOLLISTER
Minutes of Special and Regular Meeting
March 6, 2023
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NOTICE
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Casey called the special meeting of the City Council of the City of Hollister to order at 5:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION - 5:00 P.M.
Public Comment (limited to any item listed on the Closed Session agenda)
No speakers present.
Closed Session will be held by the City Council of the City of Hollister to discuss the following matters:
City Attorney Mary Lerner read the titles of the closed session items.
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS per Government Code section 54956.8 Under Negotiation: Price and Terms Property: 190 Maple Street, Hollister, CA 95023 Agency negotiator: Assistant City Manager David Mirrione Negotiating parties: Renee Kunz
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Paragraph (2) or (3) of Subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: one case
3. Government Code Section 54957 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Title: City Manager
4. Government Code Section 54957 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE/COMPLAINT
Councilmember Morales moved, and Councilmember Burns seconded the motion to adjourn to closed session. Motion carried 4-0-0 (Councilmember Perez absent).
Councilmember Perez arrived at 5:17 p.m.
The special meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Burns led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Mia Casey on March, 6, 2023 at 6:36 PM in the City Council Chambers at 375 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023.
Attendee Name
Title
Mayor
District 1
Status Arrived
Mia Casey
Present
Rick Perez
Late
5:17 PM
Rolan Resendiz
District 2
Present
Dolores Morales
District 3
Present
Tim Burns
District 4
Present
Mary F. Lerner
City Attorney
Present
Jennifer Woodworth
City Clerk
Present
Carlos Reynoso
Police Chief
Present
Brett Miller
City Manager
Absent
Gordon Machado
City Treasurer
Absent
David Mirrione
Assistant City Manager
Present
VERIFICATION OF AGENDA POSTING
City Clerk Woodworth reported the agenda for the City Council of the City of Hollister special and regular meetings of March 6, 2023 was posted on the bulletin board at City Hall on March 2, 2023 at 4:33 p.m. per Government Code Section 54954.2.
CLOSED SESSION - REPORT OUT
City Attorney Lerner reported in closed session, Councilmember Burns moved, and Councilmember Perez seconded the motion to terminate City Manager Brett Miller.
Motion passed 5-0-0.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
1. Proclamation Declaring March 12-18, 2023 as Girl Scout Week Mayor Casey read and presented the proclamation to the Girls Scouts of San Benito County.
A. CONSENT ITEMS
All items listed under the consent agenda will be enacted in one motion authorizing the actions indicated for those items so designated.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 6:45 p.m.
There were no speakers for the consent agenda items.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 6:45 p.m.
Councilmember Resendiz moved, and Councilmember Morales seconded the motion to approve the consent agenda items. Motion carried 4-0-1 (Mayor Casey abstained) City Council Monday, March 6, 2023 Page 2 of 12
RESULT:
Adopted [Unanimous]
MOTION:
Rolan Resendiz
SECOND:
Dolores Morales
AYES:
Perez, Resendiz, Morales, Burns
NOES:
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
Casey
ABSENT:
Consent items are numbers: Al, A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6.
1. City Council -Regular Meeting -Feb 21, 2023 6:30 PM
2. WARRANT REGISTER - MARCH 6, 2023 — AP
3. Claim Against the City - Filed by Guadalupe Zuniga
4. Ordinance No. 1228 An Ordinance of the City of Hollister, Amending Chapter 10.10 Recreational Vehicles and Boats, of the Hollister Municipal Code, Relating to Use and Storage of Recreational Vehicles
5. Ordinance No. 1229 an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hollister amending the Zoning Ordinance to repeal Section 17.22.040, Accessory Dwelling Units, and replace with a new Chapter, Chapter
17.32, Accessory Dwelling Units.
6. Ordinance No. 1230 an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hollister amending the Zoning Ordinance to repeal Article II, Density Bonus of Chapter 17.04, Residential Zoning Districts, and replace with Chapter 17.34, Density Bonus and the adoption of an Application Fee related to Density Bonus Applications (ZOA 2023-2)
B. CITY OF HOLLISTER AS THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
No items.
C. PUBLIC INPUT
Francisco Diaz spoke on behalf of the San Benito County Elections Office and invited the City Council and residents to attend one of the upcoming public meetings being held by the Elections Office and provide input on the draft Elections Plan.
Scott Perry opposed the traffic calming measures installed on Ladd Lane and expressed concerned regarding the safety of those traveling on Ladd Lane.
Gerry Wright spoke in support of creating a left-hand turn lane at the intersection of Ladd Lane and Hillock Drive and in support of removing the poles installed on Ladd Lane.
City Council Monday, March 6, 2023 Page 3 of 12
Gary Byrne provided an overview of the work done by the Community Foundation of San Benito County following the floods in December and January, including funds received and dispersed through gift cards to families and individuals, cash grants to affected residents, and funding to Community Alliance for Family Farmers, Salvation Army, local food banks, etc.
Rebecca Freeman expressed concern regarding a homeless encampment located near the QuickStop store and spoke regarding the crimes occurring in the encampment.
Cam Arrington raised concerns regarding the traffic calming measures installed on Ladd Lane and Southside Rd. and spoke in support of returning the roads to their previous state.
Valeria Juarez requested the City Council allow the raising of the We Stand with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals flag at City Hall.
Roger Cullumber spoke against the traffic calming measures installed on Ladd Lane and potential safety hazards associated with them.
Matthew Rojas spoke regarding a homophobic incident that recently occurred in Hollister where he and his husband were asked to leave a business and spoke in support of training for businesses and their employees in support of diversity and inclusion.
Elia Salinas spoke against the termination of City Manager Brett Miller and stated the Council was elected to do what was best for the community and spoke in support of transparency.
Belen Ortiz requested the City's assistance to address the homeless encampment currently located behind the QuickStop store on San Benito Street, spoke in support of remodeling the Calaveras Elementary School campus, in support of a new city library, requested a four-way stop at Raven and Main Street and commented regarding the traffic light timing at Santa Ana Road and San Felipe Road.
Theressa Walker -Shaw spoke regarding an explosion in the homeless encampment near the QuickStop store, which is near the Pacific Gas & Electric power grid. Ms.
Walker -Shaw requested long-term solutions to address the homeless encampment.
Benjamin Lozano requested the parking that was removed along Ladd Lane be restored because it removed parking for the school.
Joseph White raised concerns regarding the speed bumps installed on Buena Vista.
D. PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. City Manager Report
Acting City Manager David Mirrione provided an update on the cleanup of the homeless encampment by the railroad scheduled for March 7, 2023.
2. Trainings and Conferences
City Council Monday, March 6, 2023 Page 4 of 12
No items.
E. PRESENTATIONS
1. Informational Presentation to the City Council of the City of Hollister providing information and possible direction regarding types of Traffic Calming Measures
Frederik Venter with Kimley-Horn provided the staff report reviewing the purpose of various traffic calming measures installed in Hollister. Mr. Venter described the benefits of traffic calming measures, including increased public safety, discouraging cut -through traffic, etc.
Councilmember Resendiz inquired regarding public safety calls and traffic enforcement on the streets where traffic calming measures were installed.
Police Chief Reynoso reported the number of calls received regarding traffic enforcement reduced significantly.
Councilmember Morales inquired regarding the impact of traffic calming measures on public safety response times.
Mr. Venter reported on a field test conducted in Hollister that showed response times for fire trucks would not be impacted by speed cushions.
Councilmember Resendiz suggested using Councilmember discretionary budgets to fund traffic studies for side streets.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 8:06 p.m.
Carl DiLeonardo spoke against longer emergency response times caused by traffic calming measures and the negative impact of traffic humps on his health.
Elia Salinas spoke in support of enacting a policy regarding traffic calming measures and in support of receiving input from the police and fire departments and ambulance companies regarding the impact of traffic calming measures on their operations. Ms.
Salinas spoke against funds being spent on traffic calming measures in Hollister.
Joseph White expressed concern regarding the implementation of vertical traffic solutions installed on Buena Vista Avenue.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 8:13 p.m.
Councilmember Burns suggested appropriating additional funds for traffic enforcement and potentially reconsidering where speed cushions are installed.
Councilmember Resendiz supported engaging with the public regarding traffic calming measures.
Councilmember Morales requested a community meeting regarding the Ladd Lane and Southside project, and the input received can be used to determine if there are any changes that need to be made to the project area. By consensus, the Council directed staff to hold the requested community meeting.
City Council Monday, March 6, 2023 Page 5 of 12
F.
Mayor Casey supported addressing other roadway conditions in Hollister before installing additional traffic calming measures. Mayor Casey requested cessation of traffic calming projects not already in progress until a traffic calming policy is enacted. Mayor Casey suggested having a speed hump policy.
By consensus, Council directed staff to draft and return with a speed hump policy and to halt traffic calming projects not already in progress.
INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
1. Resolution No. 2023-26 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hollister approving the Avenida Cesar Chavez and Memorial Drive traffic calming analysis
Councilmember Burns moved, and Councilmember Morales seconded the motion to continue the item to a future Council meeting. Motion carried 5-0-0.
RESULT:
Tabled to No Date Certain [Unanimous]
MOTION:
Tim Burns
SECOND:
Dolores Morales
AYES:
Casey, Perez, Resendiz, Morales, Burns
NOES:
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
2. Resolution No. 2023-27 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hollister Authorizing an Application Amendment and Adopting an Amended Plan for the State of California Department of Housing & Community Development Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program (PLHA)
Housing Programs Coordinator Jamila Saqqa and Acting City Manager Mirrione provided the staff report.
Enrique Areola with San Benito County stated the main goal of the funding is to support homeless services and shelter operations.
Councilmembers Burns and Morales spoke in support of the Council receiving annual reports on the use of the funds.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 8:52 p.m.
Elia Salinas supported the recommended action and commented on the tax breaks given to local hotels which are currently charging full price for the housing vouchers.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 8:55 p.m.
Councilmember Burns moved, and Councilmember Morales seconded the motion to adopt an amended resolution authorizing the Development Services Director or their City Council Monday, March 6, 2023 Page 6 of 12
designee to execute the PLHA Program Application, any subsequent amendments or modifications, and other necessary documents. Additionally, Council directed staff to redirect a portion of the grant funding towards operational expenses of the H.O.M.E Resource emergency shelter as requested by San Benito County Health & Human Services. Motion carried 5-0-0.
The Council recessed at 8:59 p.m. and reconvened at 9:09 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
RESULT:
Adopted [Unanimous]
MOTION:
Tim Burns
SECOND:
Dolores Morales
AYES:
Casey, Perez, Resendiz, Morales, Burns
NOES:
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
3. Resolution No. 2023-28 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hollister Authorizing the City Manager to enter into agreements in regards to spay and neutering programs and Trap -Neuter -Return Programs to Humanely Control the Population of Feral Cats in the Community
Police Chief Reynoso provided the staff report.
Councilmember Burns supported pursuing additional agreements in the future to address the feral cat populations.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 9:13 p.m.
Elia Salinas supported the staff recommendation to address feral cats in the community, especially using small nonprofit organizations.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 9:15 p.m.
Councilmember Burns requested and received additional information regarding the cost -sharing process for the proposed agreements.
Councilmember Burns moved, and Councilmember Morales seconded the motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee of the City of Hollister to approve agreements between the City of Hollister and Pet Maintenance & Repair Veterinary and any other similar organization for spay/neuter services for feral cats within Hollister city limits and San Benito County, subject to City Attorney review and approval. Motion carried 5-0-0.
City Council Monday, March 6, 2023 Page 7 of 12
RESULT:
Adopted [Unanimous]
MOTION:
Tim Burns
SECOND:
Dolores Morales
AYES:
Casey, Perez, Resendiz, Morales, Burns
NOES:
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
4. Resolution No. 2023-29 a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hollister to Repeal the Low Interest Business Loan Program and provide possible direction.
Acting City Manager Mirrione provided the staff report responding to Council's previous direction regarding the Small Business Loan Program.
Administrative Services Director Casey Estorga reviewed staffs research of similar funding programs throughout the state to support local businesses, including a tiered grant or loan program.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 9:30 p.m.
Priscilla Jones requested resolution for her Small Business Loan program application and thanked the City Council for their support of the community.
Michael Jones requested clarification regarding a potential tiered grant program and whether qualified applicants would need to reapply.
Sergio Guillen shared his desire to open a business in Hollister and expressed his interest in applying for a small business loan from the City.
Edgar Mayorga thanked the Council and staff for their support of Hollister small businesses and requested resolution for his Small Business Loan program application.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 9:35 p.m.
Councilmember Burns moved, and Councilmember Morales seconded the motion to adopt a resolution authorizing staff to repeal the Low Interest Business Loan Program and directed staff to move forward on the two pending loan applications, and return at a future Council meeting with information regarding a potential grant program. Motion carried 5-0-0.
City Council Monday, March 6, 2023 Page 8 of 12
G.
RESULT:
Adopted [Unanimous]
MOTION:
Tim Burns
SECOND:
Dolores Morales
AYES:
Casey, Perez, Resendiz, Morales, Burns
NOES:
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
REPORTS OF CITY COUNCIL, OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
1. Hollister Motorcycle Rally Update and Direction - March 6, 2023 Police Chief Reynoso provided an update on options for erecting fencing to enclose the Hollister Downtown area, including costs to fence the area and provide security personnel to monitor and manage entrances and exits. Police Chief Reynoso responded to Council's comments regarding the need for security and the lack of available police resources.
Councilmember Burns suggested beginning the planning for a potential motorcycle rally in 2024.
Councilmember Resendiz requested staff bring the item back for a vote and suggested additional staff is needed to support the project.
By consensus the City Council agreed to continue the City Council meeting past 10:00 P.M.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 10:09 p.m.
Elia Salinas spoke regarding the shortage of law enforcement in California in support of staffs concerns regarding the potential liability in holding the motorcycle without adequate staffing.
Carol Lenoir spoke in support of cancelling the motorcycle rally.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 10:15 p.m.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to not hold a motorcycle rally in 2023.
Councilmembers Morales and Resendiz opposed.
City Council Monday, March 6, 2023 Page 9 of 12
RESULT: Consensus
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
2. Reports from City Council Members regarding Committees on which they serve
Councilmember Resendiz reported his attendance at a meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee where the Hazel Hawkins Hospital was discussed.
Councilmember Morales reported the Council of Governments is having a retreat this week.
Mayor Casey reported her attendance at meetings of the Intergovernmental Committee and the Council of Governments.
3. Informational Reports from City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk and Staff
Councilmember Burns congratulated the Lady Balers soccer team on their recent state championship, suggested the City Council honor their achievement with a Council proclamation, and consider hosting a parade with Hollister Downtown Association for the team. Councilmember Burns requested the City fly the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals flag at City Hall for a month to be determined; rename the Community Center for Pauline Valdivia and rename the park for Cesar Chavez; an update to Hollister Municipal Code section 1.18.060 to correct the location of the code enforcement office; a review and rewrite of Hollister Municipal Code section
10.40.100(a) to reflect a hearing officer to hear the matter instead of the City Council; and clarification regarding the City Council's training and discretionary funds.
Councilmember Burns requested updates on the following items: status of the downtown monument sign; city ordinance related to hearing officers; the project for Hillcrest east of Memorial to El Toro; the hiring process for Chief Building Official and building inspector; hiring process for a maintenance worker to repaint sound walls citywide; the Accela project; police communications center; and the parklet requested for 300 block of Monterey.
Coouncilmember Resendiz stated LGBTQ+ pride month is in June and requested the LGBTQ+ Progress Flag is raised every year in June; suggested the City print stickers that incorporate the Hollister logo and LGBTQ+ Progress flag to pass out to residents and local businesses; suggestion creation of email logos that incorporate the City logo and Progress flag; suggested staff members can include their preferred pronouns in email signatures; suggested the City provide inclusivity training for businesses and City staff; and requested creation of unisex restrooms for City staff.
Councilmember Perez requested update on Council pay and on the City's tree replacement program.
City Council Monday, March 6, 2023 Page 10 of 12
Councilmember Morales stated her support for various items suggested by other councilmembers. Councilmember Morales requested a status update on the food truck policy and requested the date it will be discussed by the Council. Additionally, Councilmember Morales reported on an inclusivity training held by Santa Clara County and suggested a similar training might be helpful for Hollister.
Mayor Casey stated her support for various items suggested by other councilmembers. Mayor Casey reported she met with a local Girl Scouts troop to teach them about the City Council, attended the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy meeting held by the Economic Development Council, and attended a meeting of the San Benito County Economic Development Committee.
Police Chief Reynoso reported staff is already following up on homophobic incident raised by a member of the public and reported no trespassing signs are being posted near the railroad tracks.
Information Technology Director Paul DaSilva provided an update on the Accela project.
Development Services Director Christy Hopper provided an update on the proposed changes to the food truck ordinance.
Acting City Manager Mirrione confirmed Council consensus for the following items: a Council proclamation recognizing the Hollister High School girl's soccer team on their state championship; flying the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals flag at City Hall for a month to be determined; updating Hollister Municipal Code 1.18.060 to reflect location of Code Enforcement office; clarification regarding Council discretionary funds; an update on the Tree Replacement Program; and options for recognizing June as LGBTQ+ month, such as flag raising, progressive stickers, email logos, inclusivity training, unisex restroom signs.
H. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Updated City Council Projects
I. NEW BUSINESS
No items.
J. MISCELLANEOUS
No items.
K. CITY OF HOLLISTER AS THE SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY OF THE
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
1. Annual Report on the Hollister Successor Agency Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund for Fiscal Year 2021-22
Housing Programs Coordinator Saqqa provided the staff report.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 10:43 p.m.
City Council Monday, March 6, 2023 Page 11 of 12
There were no speakers for this item.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 10:43 p.m.
Councilmember Burns moved, and Councilmember Morales seconded the motion to accept the annual report on the LMIHAF and direct staff to post it on the City's website. Motion carried 5-0-0.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Perez moved, and Councilmember Morales seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:44 p.m. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
City Clerk
City Council Monday, March 6, 2023 Page 12 of 12