CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF HOLLISTER
Minutes of Special Meeting
March 27, 2023
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NOTICE
CALL TO ORDER - 4:00 PM
Mayor Casey called the special meeting of the City Council of the City of Hollister to order at 4:03 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Burns led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
The Special Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Mia Casey on March, 27, 2023 at 4:00 PM in the City Council Chambers at 375 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023.
Attendee Name
Title _
Mayor
Status
Arrived
_
Mia Casey
Present
Rick Perez
District 1
Late
4:10 PM
Rolan Resendiz
District 2
Present
Dolores Morales
District 3
Present
Tim Burns
District 4
Present
Mary F. Lerner
I City Attorney
Present
Jennifer Woodworth
City Clerk
Present
Carlos Reynoso
Police Chief
Present
David Mirrione I Interim City Manager
Gordon Machado City Treasurer
Present
Present
VERIFICATION OF AGENDA POSTING
City Clerk Woodworth reported the agenda for the City Council of the City of Hollister special meeting of March 27, 2023 was posted on the bulletin board at City Hall on March 24, 2023 at 3:15 p.m. per Government Code Section 54954.2.
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOLLISTER
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Mayor Casey opened public comment at 4:05 p.m.
Dennis Lawn commented on the rapid construction of River Parkway and the sinkhole that has emerged there.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 4:07 p.m.
Councilmember Burns moved, and Councilmember Morales seconded the motion to approve the consent agenda items. Motion carried 4-0-0.
1. Resolution No. 2023-48 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hollister finding that an emergency situation exists on River Parkway, authorizing the Community Services Director to forgo the formal bidding process for repairs, and requesting a supplemental appropriation BRIEF DESCRIPTION: This resolution will retroactively authorize the Community Services Director to forgo the formal bid process for emergency storm line repairs on River Parkway to protect life and property. This item requires a 4/5 vote by the City Council for approval.
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution finding that an emergency situation existed and formally authorizing forgoing the formal bid process.
2. Resolution No. 2023-49 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hollister authorizing the display of the Christian flag on April 2, 2023 at City Hall to represent the Christian Community
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: At the March 20, 2023 Council meeting, Council Member Rick Perez requested to display the Christian flag at City Hall during a flag -raising ceremony on April 2, 2023. By consensus, a majority of the City Council approved the request.
RECOMMENDATION: Provide direction and consider adopting a resolution authorizing the display of the Christian flag April 2, 2023, at City Hall.
COUNCIL BUSINESS
3. Brown Act Training and Update
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Lozano Smith will provide a training and update on the Brown Act.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive a presentation on the Brown Act and current updates.
Agenda item 3 was heard following item 4
City Attorney Mary Lerner provided a presentation giving an overview of the Ralph M.
Brown Act and recent updates to the law.
Councilmember Resendiz left the dais at 5:42 p.m. and returned at 5:44 p.m.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 6:10 p.m.
There were no speakers for this item.
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Mayor Casey closed public comment at 6:10 p.m.
4. Traffic Calming Measures in the City of Hollister
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Staff will provide a presentation on the current process for the development of traffic calming measures and options to consider when adopting a formal policy depending on the type of roadway:
resident or arterial.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive a presentation and provide possible direction on creation of a policy to govern use of traffic calming measures on residential and arterial streets.
Agenda item 4 was heard following the consent agenda.
Frederik Venter with Kimley-Horn provided the staff report describing the informal process used by the City regarding traffic calming measures.
Councilmember Perez joined the meeting at 4:10 p.m.
Mr. Venter reviewed areas of the City where traffic calming studies were completed, public outreach conducted, and traffic calming measures installed. Mr. Venter highlighted the various budget considerations and project expenses for traffic calming measures.
Councilmember Burns inquired regarding potential negative impacts on vehicles or emergency response times caused by speed cushions. Staff reported they have no reports or data regarding injuries, delayed emergency response times, damage to City vehicles, or claims filed against the City as a result of speed cushions being installed.
Councilmember Resendiz requested data be provided on which Councilmembers requested traffic calming measures.
Councilmember Perez requested information regarding accident data for streets where traffic calming measures were installed.
Mayor Casey requested and received information regarding the height of speed cushions, safe speed for driving over the speed cushions, process for deciding where traffic studies will be conducted, etc.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 4:55 p.m
Joseph White spoke against the traffic calming measures installed on Buena Vista Rd. due to it being a transit route and route for emergency vehicles. Mr. White suggested other traffic calming measures that should be considered for Buena Vista Rd. rather than the speed cushions installed.
Carl DiLeonardo inquired if the speed cushions negatively impact the response times for ambulances. Mr. DiLeonardo stated community outreach should be to the entire county rather than just the Councilmember's district where the speed cushion is being installed.
Bill Mifsud shared his concerns regarding the ability of vehicles to cross traffic calming City Council Monday, March 27, 2023 Page 3 of 7
measures when emergency vehicles are behind them. Mr. Mifsud supported installing a crosswalk at the intersection of Hillock Dr. and Sunset Dr.
James Connor spoke against the installation of speed cushions and stated they negatively impact the quality of life for residents and stated they are more likely to cause accidents.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 5:04 p.m.
Councilmember Burns commented on the relatively low percentage of Hollister streets with speed cushions as compared to the total number of streets in the City and spoke in support of the safety they provide to City residents.
Councilmember Resendiz supported completion of a traffic study after traffic calming measures are installed to determine their effectiveness. Councilmember Resendiz supported a petition process to request traffic calming measures prior to completion of a traffic study.
Councilmember Perez stated speed cushions should be limited to high pedestrian traffic areas, such as near schools.
Councilmember Morales requested staff bring back a policy that addresses safety concerns and the potential negative impacts of traffic calming measures on vehicles, property, etc. Additionally, the policy should address public outreach and budget priorities.
Mayor Casey supported creation of a policy to address traffic calming measures, such as the policy previously considered by the City Council.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to return with a traffic calming measures policy, that would include a petition process, address potential property, safety, and emergency response challenges, Council priorities, etc., for Council discussion consideration.
Councilmember Resendiz opposed pausing all traffic calming measure projects until creation of a policy.
Councilmember Morales requested information on the status of all traffic calming projects.
5. Fiscal Year 2022-23 Mid -Year Budget Review and Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget Development Process
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: City Council to receive a report on Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23 Mid -Year Budget Review and FY 2023-24 Budget Development Process.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive the report and provide possible direction to assist staff in the development of the FY 2023-24 recommended budget.
Administrative Services Manager Casey Estorga provided the staff report and reviewed the budget development process and various budget considerations for the upcoming fiscal year.
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Councilmember Perez left the dais at 6:10 p.m. and returned at 6:12 p.m.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 6:37 p.m.
There were no speakers for this item.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 6:37 p.m.
The Council recessed at 6:38 p.m. and reconvened at 6:57 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
6. Council Goal Setting for Fiscal Year 2023-24
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The City Council requested a special meeting to hold a goal setting session to inform the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget development process.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive the staff presentation and provide possible direction to staff regarding City Council goals and priorities for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
Interim City Manager David Mirrione provided the staff report reviewing the City departments, Council objectives, outstanding Council requests, etc.
Councilmembers Burns and Resendiz suggested restructuring City departments may be helpful with future recruiting.
Councilmember Morales requested staff provide information regarding the Council goals and priorities approved as part of the previous year's budget.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 7:17 p.m.
There were no speakers for this item.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 7:17 p.m.
Councilmember Burns stated his top priority is public safety in the City. As part of the labor negotiation process, he believes keeping current staff should be a top priority.
Councilmember Burns supported prioritizing City parks and emergency preparedness.
Councilmember Burns supported potential additional development of the airport and hiring a grant writer to pursue additional funding opportunities.
Councilmember Resendiz supported prioritizing the community's safety and ensuring the fire department is properly budgeted for. Councilmember Resendiz stated the residents are concerned with the need for infrastructure improvements, economic development, and completing the General Plan update.
Councilmember Perez stated his top priorities are emergency preparedness, proper maintenance of the City's alleyways, and the City's parks. Additionally, development of affordable housing for low and very low income residents should be built in the community.
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Councilmember Morales stated her priorities include identifying the City's top legislative priorities, City stability through hiring and retaining staff, City road maintenance and regional infrastructure, ensuring the public works department is properly staffed and trained, maintaining the City's family friendly culture, and a customer service emphasis for staff.
Mayor Casey stated her top priority is economic development in order to have funds necessary to complete the remaining needs of the City. Additionally, Mayor Casey supported a potential increase to the transient occupancy tax and would like to prioritize City roads, mobility, and economic connectivity. Mayor Casey's priorities also included Downtown revitalization, such as converting the vacant upstairs stories of downtown building to housing; a commitment to community engagement and transparency, including upgrading the City's website and social media outreach; and increasing the organization's strength through staff development, filling key positions, customer service training, diversity, equity and Inclusion initiatives, performance standards for staff and improved work environment. Mayor Casey supported enhanced public safety programs; intentional development in the City and affordable housing; and sustainability and environmental resiliency.
Councilmember Burns requested staff refine the list of Council requests to determine what is realistic and what may depend on staff availability. Additionally, Councilmember Burns requested department heads weigh in on what is possible to accomplish and what their department goals and items to accomplish are.
Interim City Manager Mirrione provided information regarding potential increases to the City's reserve funds and creation of a reserve policy.
Councilmember Resendiz suggested coming back in next month to discuss Council requests that do not fall within the Council goals prior to getting too far into the budget development process.
Councilmember Morales requested staff contact CaIPERS to verify their projections, and this information should be embedded in the City's budget and other reports.
CLOSED SESSION
Closed Session will be held by the City Council of the City of Hollister to discuss the following matters:
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 7:45 p.m.
There were no speakers for the closed session items.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 7:45 p.m.
City Attorney Mary Lerner read the titles of the closed session items.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION per Government Code Section 54956.9 Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Paragraph (2) or (3) of Subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 1 case City Council Monday, March 27, 2023 Page 6 of 7
2. 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: Interim City Manager David Mirrione Negotiating parties: Renee Kunz
Councilmember Burns moved, and Councilmember Morales seconded the motion to adjourn into closed session. Motion carried 5-0-0.
At 8:12 p.m., the Council returned to the open session.
City Attorney Lerner stated no reportable action was taken in closed session.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Burns moved, and Councilmember Morales seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 p.m. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
City Clerk
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