City Council of the City of Hollister
Minutes of the Special Meeting
January 21, 2025, 3:30 p.m.
City Council Chamber, City Hall
375 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023
Members Present: Roxanne Stephens, Mayor
Rudy Picha, District 1
Rolan Resendiz, District 2
Dolores Morales, District 3
Priscilla de Anda, District 4
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Stephens called the special meeting of the City Council of the City of Hollister to order at 3:31 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
3. COUNCIL BUSINESS
3.1 DISCUSSION AND/OR DIRECTION AND/OR ACTION REGARDING THE 270-DAY FIRE SERVICES TERMINATION NOTICE THAT WAS
APPROVED BY THE PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL ON JUNE 18, 2024, TO SAN BENITO COUNTY AND THE CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA.
Councilmember Picha arrived at 3:32 p.m.
Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 3:33 p.m.
Stephen Hanson stated the firefighters will continue to do what they can to protect the community.
Carol Lenoir supported the City maintaining the 270-termination notice, but would support extending it if productive negotiations are ongoing.
Mia Casey supported the City maintaining the 270-termination notice and questioned the timing of calling the special meeting.
Terry Clark supported the Hollister Fire Department and stated no cuts should be made to the personnel.
Rick supported the City receiving fair compensation for providing fire services to the County of San Benito.
Joe expressed concern regarding the timing of the special meeting and the high potential for wildfire in the upcoming summer fire season.
Alice Thomas expressed support for the Hollister Fire Department personnel and encouraged the City to negotiate with the County of San Benito.
Layla Borges, former member of the Fire Explorers program, supported funding for the Hollister Fire Department and its personnel.
Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 3:49 p.m.
Councilmember Resendiz requested the City Council rescind the 270-Day Fire Services Termination Notices.
Councilmember Morales spoke regarding the cost to Hollister to subsidize fire services for San Benito County.
Councilmember Picha supported extending the 270-Day Fire Services Termination Notices to allow more time to talk with stakeholders, explore other options, and negotiate a fair contract.
Mayor Stephens supported collaborative, open negotiations, building strong partnerships, and rescinding 270-Day Fire Services Termination Notices.
City Treasurer Gordon Machado spoke regarding the City's taxpayers subsidizing the County and supported correcting this imbalance.
Councilmember Morales suggested the County provide funds in a trust to limit the City's continuing subsidizing of County fire services.
Councilmember Morales expressed concern for layoffs due to a lack of a contingency fund or clear deadlines for contract negotiations.
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member de Anda
Rescind the 270-Day Fire Services Termination Notices that were approved by the previous City Council on June 18, 2024, to the County of San Benito and the City of San Juan Bautista.
Ayes (4): Mayor Stephens, Council Member Picha, Council Member Resendiz, and Council Member de Anda
Noes (1): Council Member Morales
Carried (4 to 1)
Amendment:
Moved by: Council Member Morales
2 1. Rescind the 270-Day Fire Services Termination Notices to the County of San Benito and the City of San Juan Bautista.
2. Create a trust fund and request the San Benito County deposit $1 million per year during the negotiation process.
3. Conclude negotiations within a year prior or provide 270-day termination notices to the County of San Benito and City of San Juan Bautista.
Motion fails for lack of a second
4. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Stephens adjourned the special meeting at 4:17 p.m. �-nnier worth, City Clerk
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