CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF HOLLISTER
Minutes of Special and Regular Meeting
April 17, 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)
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 5:00 p.m.
There were no speakers for the closed session items.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 5:00 p.m.
Closed Session will be held by the City Council of the City of Hollister to discuss the following matters:
City Attorney Lerner read the closed session item titles.
Councilmember Resendiz arrived at 5:01 p.m.
Councilmember Resendiz moved, and Councilmember Perez seconded the motion to adjourn into closed session. Motion carried 5-0-0.
1. Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency designated representatives: (Interim City Manager David Mirrione and Administrative Services Director Casey Estorga)
Employee Organizations: Service Employees International Union, Local 521; Hollister Firefighters Union, Local 3395; Hollister Mid -Management Association; Hollister Peace Officer Association; and un-represented employees in classifications designated as Executive Management and Confidential
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
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL —EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9) National Prescription Opiate Litigation, No. 1:
17-and-2804 (N.D. Ohio) (Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Teva, Allergan)
4. Consultation of Public Employment Government Code Section 54957 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Title: Interim City Manager The special meeting of the City Council of the City of Hollister adjourned at 6:35 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 April, 17, 2023 at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers at 375 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023.
Attendee Name
Mia Casey
Title _
Mayor
District 1
Status
_Arrived
Present
Rick Perez
Present
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 Re noso
Police Chief
Present
Present
Absent
David Mirrione
Interim City Manager
Gordon Machado
City Treasurer
VERIFICATION OF AGENDA POSTING
City Clerk Woodworth reported the agenda for the City Council of the City of Hollister special and regular meetings of April 17, 2023 was posted on the bulletin board at City Hall on April 12, 2023 at 4:40 p.m. per Government Code Section 54954.2.
CLOSED SESSION - REPORT OUT
City Attorney Lerner reported in closed session, Councilmember Burns moved, and Vice Mayor Morales seconded the motion to opt into the national prescription opiate litigation. :Zell]A_1LTA I_1t0Eel kiR 1:41xd6ZrLlkIEelkiK
1. Proclamation Congratulating Cole Seymour and Eliana Salcedo for their Success at the Fresno Folkstyle State Championships
Vice Mayor Morales read and presented the proclamation to congratulating Cole Seymour and Eliana Salcedo on their success at the Fresno Folkstyle State Championships.
2. Proclamation Declaring May as Water Awareness Month
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 2 of 18
Mayor Casey read and presented the proclamation to Shawn Novack with the Water Resources Association.
A. COUNCIL BUSINESS
1. Consideration of Confidential Investigation Report From The Independent Investigation Pertaining To The Conduct Of
Councilmember Rick Perez Towards Other Councilmembers and Citizens
Yesenia Carillo with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore reviewed the findings of the independent investigation pertaining to the conduct of Councilmember Rick Perez towards other councilmembers and citizens and potential City Council actions in response to the report.
Councilmember Resendiz inquired regarding various elements of the investigative report and the City Council's Code of Conduct related to treatment of City employees.
Councilmember Burns requested and received additional information regarding the investigation process. Councilmember Burns requested the independent investigator provide the recordings and other information gathered as part of the investigation process.
Councilmember Morales inquired why background information was not included in the investigative report and stated it should have been included. Additionally, Councilmember Morales stated her statement included in the investigative report was not valid.
Councilmember Perez inquired why the investigator is not present to respond to City Council questions.
Ms. Carillo stated it is not common practice to question the independent investigator as part of the investigation process.
Mayor Casey expressed concern regarding and inquired why unverified anecdotal quotes were included in the report from City staff and community members who were not in attendance at the closed session.
Ms. Carillo stated she believed additional witnesses were contacted at the request of Councilmember Resendiz.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 7:20 p.m.
G.W. Devon Pack supported Councilmember Perez and his commitment and service to the Hollister community. Mr. Pack commented on the possibility of provocation of an individual by use of "fighting words."
Clark Stone supported Councilmember Perez's support for the community and his constituents. Mr. Stone stated the City Council should consider the personal situation Councilmember Perez was enduring when the incidents occurred and the negative atmosphere among the members of City Council.
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 3 of 18
John Freeman spoke regarding Councilmember Perez's service on local committees including the Association of Monterey Bay Governments and Integrated Waste Management for San Benito County and spoke regarding Councilmember Perez's commitment to serving his constituents.
Bea Gonzales spoke regarding Councilmember Perez's requests for help for his son, including to the members of the San Benito County Board of Supervisors.
Jeanie Wallace expressed concern regarding the history of strife among the members of the Hollister City Council and encouraged the Council to seek collegial working relationships with each other.
Larry Rebecchi spoke in support of the need for more respect among the City Council members and in society.
Peter Hernandez spoke in support of unity, respect, and patience. Mr. Hernandez stated the investigation was faulty and suggested the Hollister Code of Ethics should be revised to be less antagonistic.
Tony Avilla supported Councilmember Perez and commented on his integrity, compassion, and demonstration of responsibility. Mr. Avilla spoke against the humiliation aimed at Councilmember Perez.
Carol Lenoir commented on her experiences in previously serving on the City Council and working with the current and former members of Council.
Linda Lampe shared her experiences in knowing Councilmember Perez and his family and supported standing up for those who make mistakes and to forgive them.
Celeste Toledo-Bocanegra commented on a pattern of incidents involving Councilmember Resendiz and asked the Council to not discipline Councilmember Perez.
Elia Salinas commented on past behavior by Councilmember Resendiz and former Mayor Velazquez towards former councilmembers and members of the community.
Felipe Ordanez stated he is upset the independent investigator is not present for the meeting. Mr. Ordanez supported Councilmember Perez and thanked him for his service to the community.
Matthew Rojas stated the City Council Code of Conduct was violated and the City Council should abide by their code of conduct.
Jose Fernandez supported getting the Council's business done instead of wasting time on internal arguments.
Juan Gutierrez stated Councilmember Perez used his position to request services for his son ahead of other members of the public.
Stacie McGrady stated people are best because of their humanity and stated the City Council Code of Conduct should be treated as a baseline, and empathy should be applied.
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 4 of 18
Julio Rodriguez stated if the report substantiated the claims, then the City Council should follow its code of conduct.
Sandy Patterson supported Councilmember Perez.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 7:59 p.m.
Councilmember Resendiz stated staff, members of the public, and members of City Council should be treated respectfully. Councilmember Resendiz commented on more recent comments and previous behavior by Councilmember Perez and stated the City Council needs to hold him accountable. Councilmember Resendiz supported censuring Councilmember Perez and removing him from his committee assignments.
Councilmember Morales commented on previous behavior and comments by Councilmember Resendiz towards current and former members of the City Council.
Councilmember Morales expressed concern regarding the independent investigation process and report.
Councilmember Perez spoke regarding his previous inability to be allowed to speak on behalf of his constituents under the previous mayor. Councilmember Perez supported moving forward to allow the City's business to be completed.
Councilmembers Burns expressed concern regarding the independent investigation process and cost. Councilmember Burns stated his support for the City Council Code of Conduct and recommended Councilmember Perez review and recommit to the Code of Conduct. Additionally, Councilmember Burns requested the requirements for members of the City Council to hold office be reviewed and suggested an apology be issued to the community and to San Benito County Supervisor Kollin Kosmicki.
Mayor Casey expressed her concerns regarding the contents of the independent investigation report and spoke in support for the need for empathy.
Mayor Casey moved to issue a verbal warning to Councilmember Perez and requested a roll call vote.
Councilmember Morales seconded the motion.
By a roll call vote, the motion carried 3-1-1 (Councilmember Resendiz opposed and Councilmember Perez abstained).
The City Council recessed at 8:16 p.m. and reconvened at 8:29 p.m. with all councilmembers present.
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 5 of 18
RESULT:
Adopted [3 to 1]
MOTION:
Mia Casey
SECOND:
Dolores Morales
AYES:
Casey, Morales, Burns
NOES:
Resendiz
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
Perez
ABSENT:
B. CONSENT ITEMS
All items listed under the consent agenda will be enacted in one motion authorizing the actions indicated for those items so designated.
Council member Burns pulled Items B6, B10, B14, and B16 from the consent agenda.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 8:30 p.m.
There were no speakers for the consent agenda items.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 8:30 p.m.
Councilmember Burns moved, and Councilmember Morales seconded the motion to approve the consent agenda items, except for items B6, B10, B14, and B16. Motion carried 5-0-0.
RESULT:
Adopted [Unanimous]
MOTION:
Tim Burns
SECOND:
Dolores Morales
AYES:
Casey, Perez, Resendiz, Morales, Burns
NOES:
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Consent items are numbers: Al through A16.
1. City Council - Regular Meeting - Apr 3, 2023 6:30 PM
2. Claim Against the City - Filed by Natmar L.P.
3. Claim Against the City - Filed by Gilberto Garcia
4. Ordinance No. 1232 An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hollister Amending Section 1.18.060 of Chapter 1.18 of the City of Hollister Municipal Code Relating to Administrative Citation Hearing Requests
5. Ratify Appointments to fill Commission Vacancies
6. Item 136 was moved to Items Pulled from the Agenda
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 6 of 18
7. Resolution No. 2023-56 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hollister Designating Surveillance Grid Integration Inc. as the Sole Source Vendor for the City of Hollister Public Safety Camera System
8. Resolution No. 2023-57 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hollister authorizing the Interim City Manager to enter into an agreement for professional services with Regional Government Services (RGS) for a term expiring June 30, 2024 and an amount not to exceed $75,000.
9. Resolution No. 2023-58 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hollister to accept the amended contract for professional services agreement with N. Ramirez Landscape and Construction to include additional landscaping maintenance services
10.Item 1310 was moved to Items Pulled from the Agenda
11. Resolution No. 2023-60 A resolution of the City Council of the City of Hollister to surplus certain identified vehicles and equipment, as listed in Exhibit [A], and authorize the City Manager to execute a Memo of Understanding with GovDeals, Inc. for the purpose of disposing said surplus through online auction.
12. Resolution No. 2023-61 2023-61: National Night Out Street Closure
13. Military Equipment in Use at the Hollister Police Department Report
14. Item 1314 was moved to Items Pulled from the Agenda
15. Resolution No. 2023-63 A resolution of the City Council of the City of Hollister approving the Initiation of Proceedings for the levy and collection of annual assessments for Landscape and Lighting District 93-1 and order the City Engineer to prepare and file the required report with the City Clerk
16. Item 1316 was moved to Items Pulled from the Agenda
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
Item 136. Resolution No. 2023-55: Agreement For Hearing Officer Services Councilmember Burns requested and received information regarding the contract and Jeffrey Miller's qualifications.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 8:37 p.m.
There were no speakers for this item.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 8:37 p.m.
Councilmember Burns expressed concern regarding a perceived conflict of interest by contracting with a former Hollister Police Chief and concern that Mr. Miller does not live in California. Councilmember Burns stated he will not support the renewal of the contract.
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 7 of 18
Police Chief Reynoso reported other former employees have also served as administrative hearing officers and stated their familiarity with Hollister Municipal Code is helpful to the process.
Councilmember Morales moved, and Councilmember Perez seconded the motion to adopt Resolution 2023-55. Motion carried 3-2-0 (Councilmembers Resendiz and Burns opposed).
RESULT:
Adopted [3 to 2]
MOTION:
Dolores Morales
SECOND:
Rick Perez
AYES:
Casey, Perez, Morales
NOES:
Resendiz, Burns
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Item 1310. Resolution No. 2023-59: Amendment Maintenance Agreement - Smith and Enright Landscaping
Councilmember Burns supported hiring City staff to complete landscaping work rather than contracting with an external service.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 8:46 p.m.
There were no speakers for this item.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 8:46 p.m.
Councilmember Resendiz moved, and Mayor Casey seconded the motion to adopt Resolution 2023-59. Motion fails 2-3-0 (Councilmembers Perez, Burns, and Morales opposing).
RESULT:
Defeated [2 to 3]
MOTION:
Rolan Resendiz
SECOND:
Mia Casey
AYES:
Casey, Resendiz
NOES:
Perez, Morales, Burns
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Item 1314. Resolution No. 2023-62: Renaming of Hollister Community Center Mayor Casey opened public comment at 8:48 p.m.
Elia Salinas supported renaming the Hollister Community Center for Pauline Valdivia and proposed issuing a proclamation when the building is renamed. Ms. Salinas spoke regarding the many contributions by Ms. Valdivia to the Hollister community.
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 8 of 18
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 8:50 p.m.
Councilmember Burns moved, and Councilmember Perez seconded the motion to adopt Resolution 2023-62. Motion carried 5-0-0.
RESULT:
Adopted [Unanimous]
MOTION:
Tim Burns
SECOND:
Dolores Morales
AYES:
Casey, Perez, Resendiz, Morales, Burns
NOES:
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Item B16. Resolution No. 2023-64: Sally Street Post -Construction Traffic Study
Councilmember Burns commented he did not feel a post -project traffic calming study was needed for Sally Street.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 8:54 p.m.
Julio Rodriguez supported the City staff's recommendations for traffic calming measures.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 8:55 p.m.
Councilmember Morales moved, and Councilmember Perez seconded the motion to adopt Resolution 2023-64. Motion carried 3-2-0 (Councilmember Resendiz and Burns opposed).
RESULT:
Adopted [3 to 2]
MOTION:
Dolores Morales
SECOND:
Rick Perez
AYES:
Casey, Perez, Morales
NOES:
Resendiz, Burns
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
C. CITY OF HOLLISTER AS THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
No items.
D. PUBLIC INPUT
Elia Salinas commented on the lack of Committee assignments for Councilmember Burns. Ms.
Salinas commented on previous negative comments made by Councilmember Resendiz and City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 9 of 18
asked that Councilmember Burns review the lawsuit complaint related to the lawsuit initiated by Irma Gonzalez and herself.
Stacie McCrady invited anyone interested to apply to serve on the San Benito County Civil Grand Jury.
E. PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. City Manager Report
No report.
2. Trainings and Conferences
Interim City Manager Mirrione reported City Clerk Jennifer Woodworth, Community Services Director William Via, and Police Chief Carlos Reynoso recently completed the Professional Development Academy's High Performance Leadership training.
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS
No items.
G. INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
1. Resolution No. 2023-65 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hollister Approving a Regulatory Permit for Monterey Bay Alternative Medicine Hollister, Inc. to Operate a Cannabis Dispensary at 773 San Felipe Road (APN 051-100-032-000)
Cannabis Program Manager Maria Mendez provided the staff report.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 9:06 p.m.
Elia Salinas commented regarding the delay in approving the regulatory permit and expressed concern regarding potential sale of the business.
Victor Gomez supported approval of the regulatory permit stating the project was ready to move forward and operate.
Matthew Rojas supported additional businesses starting in the City, including cannabis dispensaries.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 9:12 p.m.
Councilmember Burns suggested including a requirement that the business operate within two years, which could be extended for cause.
Councilmember Resendiz supported approval and requested a condition that the applicant return in one year to request an extension.
Mr. Gomez, representative for the applicant, provided additional information regarding the project and reported the City Council reviews the regulatory permit on an annual basis.
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 10 of 18
Councilmember Morales moved, and Councilmember Burns seconded the motion to adopt Resolution 2023-65. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Council recessed at 9:20 p.m. and reconvened at 9:31 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
RESULT:
Adopted [Unanimous]
MOTION:
Dolores Morales
SECOND:
Tim Burns
AYES:
Casey, Perez, Resendiz, Morales, Burns
NOES:
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
2. Resolution No. 2023-66 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hollister Authorizing the City Manager, or Designee, to Execute an Amendment to Task Order DS 2020-11 of the On -Call Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., in the Amount of $61,400.00, for Public Outreach and a Post -Construction Traffic Study Report of the Ladd Lane and Southside Road Traffic Calming Project
City Engineer Glen March provided the staff report.
Councilmember Burns opposed the recommendation and stated staff could conduct the public outreach.
Councilmember Resendiz supported gathering community feedback and requested staff perform the public outreach portion of the project.
Councilmember Morales expressed concern regarding the proposed cost for the Ladd Lane traffic calming study and public outreach.
Assistant City Engineer Mark Falgout provided additional information regarding the tasks included in the proposed Ladd Lane traffic calming study and public outreach project.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 9:40 p.m.
Carl DiLeonardo supported opportunities for public outreach and public input on the Ladd Lane traffic calming measures.
Scott Perry expressed frustration regarding the traffic calming measures installed on Ladd Lane.
Dave Wright expressed concern regarding the traffic calming measures installed on Ladd Lane and ongoing maintenance costs for them. Mr. Wright spoke against spending additional money regarding the project.
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 11 of 18
Roger Cullumber commented on the difficulty to navigate Ladd Lane for trailers and raised safety concerns related to the traffic calming measures. Mr. Cullumber suggested using a different company to evaluate the traffic calming measures.
Julio Rodriguez suggested looking at alternative options to address traffic and traffic flow in the City.
Elia Salinas commented on public input provided as part of previous traffic calming measure projects. Ms. Salinas spoke against the proposed recommendation stating staff can assist with public outreach.
Jaye Eves supported traffic calming measures to slow traffic near Ladd Lane Elementary and shared safety violations she witnessed near Ladd Lane Elementary, which put residents and students in danger.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 9:57 p.m.
Councimember Burns suggested installation of a lighted crosswalk on Ladd Lane to help protect pedestrians rather than the existing traffic calming measures.
Councilmember Burns suggested holding a charrette with community members to discuss possible solutions to reduce traffic speed and protect students.
Councilmember Morales recommended staff drive Ladd Lane during school drop off and pickup hours to understand the difficulty of navigating Ladd Lane.
Mayor Casey requested the public outreach portion of the project move forward and suggested use of her discretionary budget to fund this portion of the project.
Mayor Casey moved to use her discretionary funds to fund the public outreach portion of the project.
Councilmember Morales supported removal of the traffic calming measures on Ladd Lane.
Councilmember Resendiz seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-1-0 (Councilmember Burns opposed).
RESULT: Adopted as Amended [4 to 1]
MOTION: Mia Casey
SECOND: Rolan Resendiz
AYES: Casey, Perez, Resendiz, Morales
NOES: Burns
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
H. REPORTS OF CITY COUNCIL, OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
1. Council to receive a Flock Safety Presentation with options for potential Purchase of Services
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 12 of 18
Caroline Fraher with Flock Safety provided a presentation describing the Flock public safety system.
Councilmember Resendiz recommended installation of surveillance system throughout the City and also at entrances and exits of the City.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 10:52 p.m.
Jaye Eves supported installation of a public safety system to help protect its citizens and preserve public safety.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 10:55 p.m.
Councilmember Morales supported including discussion of implementation of a public safety system as part of the budget process.
2. Presentation to the City Council of the City of Hollister Regarding the Impact Fees for the Twin Oaks Subdivision
Interim City Manager Mirrione reported this item is continued to a future Council meeting date.
3. Presentation Regarding Request for Waiver of Fees for 221 Hawkins Street
Development Services Director Christy Hopper provided the staff report and described the history of the project and a timeline of previous decisions.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 11:06 p.m.
Anne Hall provided information regarding the previous denial of a variance for the project, delays to the project, and subsequent denial of the project due to it not meeting zoning guidelines.
Kevin Henderson, Chair of the Hollister Planning Commission, discussed the review of the project by the Planning Commission and their recommendation to waive pending fees.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 11:13 p.m.
Councilmember Burns supported a refund of past fees but not a waiver of current fees.
Interim Planning Manager Eva Kelly provided additional information regarding review of the project by staff.
Councilmember Morales moved, and Councilmember Perez seconded the motion to direct staff to waive the City's fees paid for the previous project. Motion carried 3-2-0 (Councilmembers Resendiz and Burns opposed).
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 13 of 18
RESULT:
Adopted [3 to 2]
MOTION:
Dolores Morales
SECOND:
Rick Perez
AYES:
Casey, Perez, Morales
NOES:
Resendiz, Burns
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
4. Placement of Items on Agenda by Council
Interim City Manager Mirrione provided the staff report reviewing the options for the Council to consider regarding placement of items on a future Council meeting agenda.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 11:38 p.m.
There were no speakers for this item.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 11:38 p.m.
Councilmembers Burns and Resendiz supported changing the requirement to require support from two Councilmembers rather than majority consensus.
Councilmember Morales and Mayor Casey supported option 3 as outlined in the staff report.
Mayor Casey suggested creation of a template for Councilmembers to use when requesting future Council agenda items.
Councilmember Morales moved, and Perez seconded the motion to direct staff to return with a policy as outlined in Option 3 of the staff report. Motion carried 3-2-0 (Coucilmembers Resendiz and Burns opposed).
RESULT:
Adopted [3 to 2]
MOTION:
Dolores Morales
SECOND:
Rick Perez
AYES:
Casey, Perez, Morales
NOES:
Resendiz, Burns
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
5. Attorney Administrative Hearing Officers
City Attorney Lerner provided the staff report.
Councilmember Burns expressed concern regarding a potential perceived conflict of interest if the administrative hearing officer is a former Hollister employee.
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 14 of 18
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 11:59 p.m.
Elia Salinas shared her previous experience regarding her participation in the administrative hearing process. Ms. Salinas supported informing the public of the availability of a hardship waiver for the administrative hearing fee.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 12:00 a.m.
Councilmember Resendiz supported requiring use of an attorney as the City's administrative hearing officer.
By majority consensus, the City Council directed staff to leave the City's requirements related to administrative hearing officers unchanged.
6. General Plan Advisory Committee Update
Item H6 was heard prior to Item H5.
Development Services Directors Hopper provided the staff report, including an update on the availability of the current General Plan Advisory Committee's membership to continue to serve.
David Early with Placeworks, the City's General Plan consultant, provided feedback on potential review of the draft General Plan Amendment by the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) and stated it will likely add time to the project.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 11:46 p.m.
Elia Salinas recommended a new General Plan Advisory Committee be formed to review the draft General Plan Amendment. Ms. Salinas suggested the Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO) have an opportunity to review the General Plan Amendment.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 11:48 p.m.
Councilmember Resendiz stated he does not support disbanding the GPAC.
Councilmember Burns stated he does not support disbanding the GPAC.
Mr. Early stated the General Plan Amendment team worked with LAFCO extensively on multiple occasions to review and provide feedback on the draft General Plan Amendment. LAFCO does not approve or act on the recommendations within General Plan Amendment prior to its adoption by the City.
Councilmember Morales moved, and Councilmember Perez seconded the motion to disband the GPAC and move forward with the General Plan Amendment process.
Mayor Casey expressed concern regarding the potential for a lack of a quorum for the GPAC due to vacancies, which would cause additional delays to the project.
Motion carried 3-2-0 (Councilmembers Resendiz and Burns opposed).
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 15 of 18
RESULT:
Adopted [3 to 2]
MOTION:
Dolores Morales
SECOND:
Rick Perez
AYES:
Casey, Perez, Morales
NOES:
Resendiz, Burns
RECUSED:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
7. Discussion and Direction Regarding Increasing Councilmember/Mayor Compensation
City Attorney Lerner provided the staff report outlining the process for increasing Council compensation and the time frame during which any changes would be implemented.
Councilmember Burns requested and received clarification regarding whether members of the City Council can decline compensation and the cost of additional benefits.
Councilmember Morales supported raising Council compensation in order to allow more people to serve on the City Council.
Councilmember Burns suggested the Council look at their compensation in the context of the current labor negotiation process with the City's labor organizations.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 12:22 a.m.
Elia Salinas spoke regarding the health benefits available to Councilmembers and supported increasing Council compensation.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 12:25 a.m.
By majority consensus, the City Council directed staff to return with amendments to the Hollister Municipal Code to increase Council compensation to the maximum compensation allowed by the Government Code.
8. Reports from City Council Members regarding Committees on which they serve
Councilmember Resendiz reported his attendance at a meeting of the Water Resources Control Board.
Mayor Casey reported her attendance at a San Benito County Local Area Formation Comission (LAFCO) meeting and announced the LAFCO Executive Director resigned. Mayor Casey reported LAFCO entered into an interim contract for a new executive director. Mayor Casey attended a meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee.
9. Informational Reports from City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk and Staff
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 16 of 18
Councilmember Burns requested information regarding the procedure to allow the City to process concealed carry weapons permits, similar to Morgan Hill; requested additional information on City funding earmarked for sidewalk repairs, including ability of councilmembers to use their discretionary funds to repair sidewalks in their individual districts; and requested additional information regarding eligibility of Councilmember Perez to serve as elected official.
Councilmember Resendiz spoke in support of training for the City's advisory bodies and requested additional support for the commissions.
Councilmember Morales commented on the overgrown grass at the intersection of San Benito Street and Promise stating it needs to be mowed. Councilmember Morales supported use of councilmember discretionary funds for beautification projects; and requested the fire and police departments and other emergency medical service agencies review traffic calming projects before installation. Finally, Councilmember Morales requested staff return with information regarding campaign reform for Council discussion.
Councilmember Perez supported future discussion of campaign reform.
Mayor Casey reported she successfully held her first "Coffee with the Mayor" event at Fourth Street Eatery and attended the Poppy Jasper Film Fest event in Gilroy.
Mayor Casey requested the City Council Code of Conduct ordinance be brought back to the Council to discuss the investigation process to ensure it is equally applied to the entire City Council.
Interim City Manager Mirrione confirmed Council consensus to bring the following items back for Council consideration: potential use of City Council discretionary funds to repair sidewalks and complete beautification projects; a future Council discussion on campaign finance reform; and review of the City Council Code of Conduct.
I. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Updated City Council Projects
J. NEW BUSINESS
No items.
K. MISCELLANEOUS
No items.
L. CITY OF HOLLISTER AS THE SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY OF THE
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
No items.
M. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Morales moved, and Councilmember Perez seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:50 a.m. Motion carried 5-0-0.
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 17 of 18
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
City Clerk
City Council Monday, April 17, 2023 Page 18 of 18