City Council of the City of Hollister
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
June 4, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
City Council Chamber, City Hall
375 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023
Members Present: Mia Casey, Mayor
Rick Perez, District 1
Dolores Morales, District 3
Tim Burns, District 4
Members Absent: Rolan Resendiz, District 2
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Casey called the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Hollister to order at 4:00.
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Burns led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. CLOSED SESSION - REPORT OUT
City Attorney Mary Lerner reported no reportable action was taken in closed session.
5. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
5.1 PRESENTATION FROM VISIT SAN BENITO COUNTY
Irene Davis, Board President of Visit San Benito County, provided a presentation on the organization and their efforts to promote the County as a whole via their website and showcase the County through organizations, such as Visit California and the Central Coast Tourism Council. Ms. Davis requested the City provide $150,000 to help fund the Visit San Benito County organization and also requested a percentage of the City's transient occupancy tax revenue.
Councilmember Burns suggested the organization also promote the cannabis industry as part of its support for agriculture.
Mayor Casey suggested partnering with Pinnacles National Park or related organization to help promote the destination and related tourism in San Benito County.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 4:17 p.m.
Kerilyn LaFournaise commented on the positive financial impact tourism can have for San Benito County and its potential support for the community, including agriculture.
Violet LaFournaise supported the Visit San Benito County organization and its ability to promote agritourism in the community.
Kris Waller read a letter from Amy Herzog, President of the Central Coast Tourism Council, supporting the funding request by the Visit San Benito County organization.
Leslie David, Executive Director of BenitoLink, reported on community listening sessions held by BenitoLink, which helped spur the creation of the Visit San Benito County organization to address the need to promote tourism in San Benito County.
Sallie Calhoun, owner of Paicines Ranch, spoke regarding the need for an organization to support agritourism in San Benito County and supported the funding request by the Visit San Benito County organization.
Darin Del Curto supported the Visit San Benito County organization and read a letter from Terry Selk, Executive Director for Yolo County Visitors Bureau, which supported the funding request by the Visit San Benito County organization.
Kate Modic supported the Visit San Benito County organization and supported their funding request.
Tim Borland, Vice President of Visit San Benito County, spoke in support of the agritourism industry in San Benito County and supported the funding request by the Visit San Benito County organization.
Mike Fisher supported the Visit San Benito County organization and its ability to attract jobs and tourism to San Benito County.
Gene Zanger commented on the importance of investing in tourism and supported the funding request by the Visit San Benito County organization.
Mike Kohne supported the Visit San Benito County organization and supported their funding request.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 4:39 p.m.
2 Councilmember Burns stated his support for the Visit San Benito County organization and requested additional information prior to the City providing funding.
6. PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Bill Mifsud spoke regarding a recent code enforcement infraction received by his business, Bill's Bullpen.
Robin Pollard requested a safe trail to go up Vista Park Hill.
7. CONSENT ITEMS
Councilmember Burns requested and received additional information regarding agenda items 7.3 and 7.7.
City Manager David Mirrione pulled Item 7.6 from the consent calendar.
Mayor Casey pulled Item 7.9 from the consent calendar.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 4:57 p.m.
Bella Rosales expressed concern regarding the desire to include special districts as a part of the Local Area Formation Commission.
Robin Pollard expressed concern regarding the discing procedures at Vista Park Hill and supported mowing there instead.
Robin Pollard supported the use of an arborist to care for City trees.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 5:01 p.m.
Moved by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Councilmember Morales
Adopt the Consent Calendar except for agenda items 7.6 and 7.9.
Ayes (4): Mayor Casey, Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Morales, and Councilmember Burns
Absent (1): Councilmember Resendiz
Carried (4 to 0)
7.1 APPROVE MAY 21, 2024 MEETING MINTUES
7.2 CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY— MARIA MENDOZA, MELISSA SOLIZ,
PATRICIA CASTRO, AND YANETH SOLIS
Moved by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Councilmember Morales
3 Deny the claim and authorize staff to send the notice of rejection to the claimant.
Carried
7.3 CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY — FILED BY MARLON MOSS
Moved by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Councilmember Morales
Deny the claim and authorize staff to send the notice of rejection to the claimant.
Carried
7.4 RATIFY APPOINTMENTS TO FILL TWO VACANCIES ON THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
Moved by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Councilmember Morales
Ratify the appointments of David Agaliotis and Hani Mayzouni to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission.
Carried
7.5 ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING A BLOCK PARTY STREET
CLOSURE
Moved by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Councilmember Morales
Adopt a resolution approving the temporary street closure of a portion of C Street for a Graduation Block Party.
Carried
7.7 ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH LONG'S
CUSTOM DISCING TO MITIGATE WEEDS ON CERTAIN PROPERTIES
Moved by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Councilmember Morales
M
Adopt a resolution approving an agreement with Long's Custom Discing to mitigate weeds on certain properties and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreements.
Carried
7.8 ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT 1 TO THE WEST COAST ARBORISTS, INC. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
Moved by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Councilmember Morales
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc. for tree trimming and related services.
Carried
7.10 ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF THE SAFE
PROGRAM MOU
Moved by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Councilmember Morales
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign the proposed Support, Awareness, Follow -Up, and Engagement (S.A.F.E.) Program Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for continued partnership between the Hollister Police Department and San Benito County Behavioral Health Department.
Carried
7.6 ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION
COMMISSION ALTERNATIVE FUNDING STRUCTURE
City Attorney Mary Lerner provided the staff report outlining the proposed changes the to funding for San Benito County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).
Mayor Casey provided information regarding the legally mandated makeup of LAFCO and the proposed funding structure.
Moved by: Mayor Casey
5 Adopt a resolution for Local Agency Formation Commission for an alternative funding structure.
Fail
7.9 ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN MOU WITH THE CITY OF
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA FOR THE USE OF ABBE PARK FIELD
City Manager David Mirrione outlined the terms included in the proposed MOU.
Mayor Casey expressed concern regarding Hollister staff administering the program for the City of San Juan Bautista without receiving reimbursement for services.
City Manager Mirrione stated he could speak with the San Juan Bautista City Manager about the reimbursement of costs in the future.
Approval pending total costs be noted in the agreement and conversation with San Juan Bautista regarding potential reimbursements of costs and indemnity
Moved by: Councilmember Burns
Seconded by: Councilmember Morales
Adopt a resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Hollister and the City of San Juan Bautista for the use of Abbe Park Ball field located at 40 Polk Street in San Juan Bautista.
Additional direction was given to the City Manager to discuss with the City of San Juan Bautista inclusion of a provision for the City of San Juan Bautista to reimburse the City of Hollister for costs incurred and indemnify the City of Hollister.
Ayes (4): Mayor Casey, Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Morales, and Councilmember Burns
Absent (1): Councilmember Resendiz
Carried (4 to 0)
8. COUNCIL BUSINESS
8.1 ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE BRIGGS BUILDING
AUTONOMOUS ROBOT SECURITY AGREEMENT
Public Works Director William Via provided the staff report.
A
Councilmember Burns requested and received additional information regarding the terms of the proposed agreement and the capabilities of the autonomous robot.
Councilmember Morales expressed concern regarding the potential negative impacts of the autonomous robot.
City Manager David Mirrione suggested tabling the item until the vendor is able to attend the meeting.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 5:27 p.m.
Robin Pollard inquired if the autonomous robot would attack pigeons expressing concern regarding the number of pigeons in parking structure.
Ms. Pollard also requested the building be cleaned.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 5:28 p.m.
Councilmember Burns supported continuing the item to a future City Council meeting.
Moved by: Councilmember Burns
Seconded by: Councilmember Morales
To continue consideration of the item to the June 18, 2024 City Council meeting.
Ayes (4): Mayor Casey, Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Morales, and Councilmember Burns
Absent (1): Councilmember Resendiz
Carried (4 to 0)
8.2 REQUEST BY DEL CURTO BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. FOR DEFERRAL OF IMPACT FEES FOR THE 400 BLOCK
PROJECT
City Manager David Mirrione provided the staff report.
Councilmember Burns suggested the City charge interest based on when the impact fees are paid according to the current Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) rate of 4.322%.
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 5:35 p.m.
Katherine Sanchez opposed deferral of impact fees for the 400 San Benito Block project and stated the fees will help support Hollister residents.
Darin Del Curto requested an extension on the agreement with the City for the payment of the 400 Block condominiums.
7 Irene Davis supported the request to extend the timeline for payment of the impacts fees for the 400 Block project.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 5:40 p.m.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to return with an amendment to the agreement for deferral of impact fees for the 400 Block project.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.1 A PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE
FINAL ENGINEER'S REPORT, CONFIRM THE BOUNDARY AND
ASSESSMENTS, AND ORDER THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF
ASSESSMENTS OF LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 93-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
Assistant Engineer Dillon Albert provided the staff report.
Mayor Casey opened the public hearing at 5:47p.m.
There were no speakers for this item.
Mayor Casey closed the public hearing at 5:48 p.m.
Moved by: Councilmember Burns
Seconded by: Councilmember Morales
Adopt a resolution approving the Final Engineer's Report, confirming the boundary and assessments, and ordering the levy and collection of assessments of Landscape and Lighting District No. 93-1 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Ayes (4): Mayor Casey, Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Morales, and Councilmember Burns
Absent (1): Councilmember Resendiz
Carried (4 to 0)
9.2 DRAFT FY 2024-25 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
City Manager David Mirrione and Administrative Services Director Casey Estorga provided the staff report outlining the proposed Fiscal Year 2024- 25 budget. The department heads provided an overview of their proposed projects for the upcoming fiscal year and responded to City Council questions.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to keep the City Council discretionary funds budgeted at $50,000 per member of Council with staff time to implement Council requests being charged to the discretionary funds.
E:3
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to keep the City Council travel budget at $5,000 per member of Council.
The City Council recessed at 7:09 p.m. and reconvened at 7:22 p.m.
By consensus, the City Council directed the City Manager to move forward with exercising the termination clause for the current fire services contracts with the City of San Juan Bautista and San Benito County.
Mayor Casey reported on a request from the public for a flashing crosswalk or stop sign at Sunset and Southside.
City Manager Mirrione reported City staff also received the request and contacted the requestor to discuss.
By consensus, the City Council directed the City Manager work towards filling the Economic Development Manager position and/or providing funding to the Economic Development Council.
Mayor Casey opened the public hearing at 9:21 p.m.
Bill Avera supported a decrease to sewer rates if a rate study supports it and commented on the City's subsidizing of County fire services.
Mayor Casey closed the public hearing at 9:23 p.m.
10. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
10.1 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Councilmember Morales reported attending a meeting of the California Council of Governments.
10.2 COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Burns requested additional information regarding paid and non -paid internships for the City and requested staff inspect the walkway at Vista Park Hill regarding a potentially missing railing.
Councilmember Perez requested certificates of recognition for Henry Salcido at Visions Window Cleaning and Hollister RV.
Councilmember Morales requested the Council delegate authority to the City Manager to send letters of support and lobbying efforts, as needed, to pursue Congressional Community Project Funds.
City Manager David Mirrione provided an update on previous work by City staff regarding internships and confirmed Council consensus for the remaining items.
10.3 CITY MANAGER REPORT
No report.
9 UPDATED CITY COUNCIL PROJECTS
11. CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Casey opened public comment at 9:32 p.m.
There were no speakers for the closed session agenda items.
Mayor Casey closed public comment at 9:32 p.m.
By consensus, the City Council approved continuing the meeting past 10:00 p.m.
City Attorney Mary Lerner read the closed session item titles.
The Council adjourned to closed session at 9:34 p.m.
11.1 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6
Agency designated representatives: (City Manager David Mirrione and Administrative Services Director Casey Estorga)
Employee Organizations: Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 521; Hollister Firefighters Union (HFFU), Local 3395, Hollister Peace Officer Association (HPOA); and un-represented employees in classifications designated as Executive Management
11.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -ANTICIPATED LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE 54956.9
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (d) of section 54956.9 of the Government Code (1 case)
11.3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -ANTICIPATED LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE 54956.9
Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of section 54956.9 of the Government Code (Deciding Whether to Initiate Litigation): 3 cases
12. CLOSED SESSION - REPORT OUT
City Attorney Mary Lerner reported no reportable action was taken in closed session.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Casey adjourned the regular meeting at 10.38 p.m. koodworth, City Clerk