City Council of the City of Hollister
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
March 17, 2025, 6:30 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
Members Absent: Priscilla de Anda, District 4
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Stephens called the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Hollister to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Picha led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Mary Lerner stated no reportable action was taken in closed session.
5. PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Mia Casey expressed concern regarding the recent Council decision to rescind Resolution 2024-201 rather than call an election for the referendum.
Jillian Wilson supported the City streamlining the permitting process for local businesses.
Tod duBois asked the City to reconsider their direction at a recent closed session meeting regarding a senior housing project and requested it be discussed at an open session.
Sue Logue with the Friends of the Library organization reported on their recent successful fundraiser for the library.
Elia Salinas spoke regarding inconsistency of the City's permitting process and suggested reconsidering the City's Independence Rally.
1 Joe thanked the City Council for their future discussion of a potential lobbyist ordinance.
Maria Spandri spoke in support of the Jovenes de Antano organization and its work in the community.
Carol Lenoir opposed the City Council's recent decision regarding LAFCO, opposed the decision to rescind the General Plan 2040 Update, supported use of Council discretionary funds to support Jovenes de Antano, and requested staff to look at non -working street lights on San Benito Street.
Celeste Bocanegra opposed reducing public comment time from three minutes.
Rick Perez spoke regarding the work by the previous City Council to support the community, including support of Bulldog Boxing and Youth Recovery Connections.
6. CONSENT ITEMS
Councilmember Morales pulled Item 6.4 from the consent calendar.
Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 6:50 p.m.
There were no speakers for the consent agenda items.
Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 6:50 p.m.
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Picha
The consent calendar items are approved, except for item 6.4.
Ayes (4): Mayor Stephens, Council Member Picha, Council Member Resendiz, and Council Member Morales
Absent (1): Council Member de Anda
Carried (4 to 0)
6.1 APPROVE MARCH 3, 2025 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
6.2 WARRANT REGISTER
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Picha
Ratify and approve the Warrant Registers for the General -Special - Enterprise -Assessment Funds attached.
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Carried
6.3 A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CONDITION OF CERTAIN
PROPERTIES TO CONSTITUTE A PUBLIC NUISANCE, ORDERING
THE ABATEMENT OF WEEDS, AND NOTICING A HEARING FOR THE
RECEIPT OF OBJECTIONS
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Picha
Adopt a resolution declaring the condition of certain properties to constitute a public nuisance, ordering the abatement of weeds thereon, and noticing a public hearing for the receipt of objections to the proposed abatement.
Carried
6.5 ANNUAL REPORT ON THE HOLLISTER SUCCESSOR AGENCY LOW
AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING ASSET FUND FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2023-2024
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Picha
Accept the annual report on the LMIHAF and direct staff to post it on the City's website.
Carried
6.6 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF 1960 AND 1970
AIRWAY DRIVE PROJECT INTO COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT #4 ANNEXATION NO. 60 (PUBLIC FACILITIES SERVICES)
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Picha
Adopt a resolution approving the annexation of 1960 and 1970 Airway Drive Project into CFD#4.
Carried
6.7 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF COOPERATIVE
PURCHASING FOR THE BRIGGS BUILDING ELEVATOR UPGRADE
3 Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Picha
Adopt a resolution authorizing: (1) the use of Cooperative Purchasing for the elevator upgrade at the Briggs Building, (2) the City Manager to execute all required documents, and (3) a budget amendment for $575,000,
Carried
6.8 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH KNORR
SYSTEMS, INTERNATIONAL (KSI) FOR THE VALLEY VIEW PARK
SPLASH PAD UPGRADE
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Picha
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Knorr Systems, International for the upgrade of the Valley View Park Splash Pad Water Treatment System and authorizing a supplemental appropriation from Fund 205 in the amount of $20,400.
Carried
6.4 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2024 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL
PROGRESS REPORT
Planning Manager Eva Kelly provided the staff report
Councilmember Morales requested and received clarification regarding potential impacts of the City Council's decision to rescind Resolution 2024 201 and potential consequences for the City not having a compliant Housing Element.
Councilmember Resendiz requested staff follow-up with additional information regarding potential impact of housing growth in the fifth cycle of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation on the projected growth for the sixth cycle.
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Adopt a resolution accepting the 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report and direct staff to forward the report to the Governor's Office of 0 Planning and Research and the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Ayes (4): Mayor Stephens, Council Member Picha, Council Member Resendiz, and Council Member Morales
Absent (1): Council Member de Anda
Carried (4 to 0)
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS
7.1 FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES NEGOTIATIONS AD -HOC
COMMITTEE: CONTRACT AMENDMENT TERMS FOR THE COUNTY
OF SAN BENITO AND THE CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
City Manager David Mirrione provided the staff report.
Councilmember Morales requested and received information regarding potential negative impacts on public safety if fewer firefighters are on staff.
Councilmember Morales expressed concern regarding City's ability to respond to medical and fire incidents and raised concerns regarding Hollister subsidizing San Benito County's fire service.
Mayor Stephens requested and received clarification regarding staffing costs and commented on the limited budget for all agencies.
City Manager David Mirrione provided information regarding the potential costs incurred based on time spent by the Hollister Fire Department on calls within the service area.
Councilmember Resendiz requested and received additional information regarding creation of a potential fire district in San Benito County.
Councilmember Picha supported increasing fire staff levels to support public safety and suggested periodic review of the contracts for potential renegotiation.
Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 8:23 p.m.
Stacie McGrady opposed the proposed fire services contract with San Benito County and expressed concern with a potential temporary closure of Fire Station 3.
Stephen Hanson expressed concern regarding low firefighter staffing levels in the City of Hollister.
Mia Casey expressed concern regarding the Fire Protection Services Negotiations Ad Hoc Committee lack of input and opposed the proposed contract with San Benito County.
5 Josh Buzzetta, Hollister Firefighters Union President, opposed the proposed fire services contracts and expressed concern regarding reduced staffing levels and the exclusion of fire personnel from the negotiating process.
Terry Clark opposed the proposed fire services contracts.
Elia Salinas expressed concern for increased risks to firefighter lives, Hollister subsidizing San Benito County and City of San Juan Bautista fire services, and potential loss of fire insurance by residents.
Tiago Dutra opposed the proposed fire services contracts and expressed concern regarding potential response times.
Joe expressed concern regarding the lack of transparency during the fire services contract negotiations.
Mark supported increasing funding from the state and supported creating local jobs.
Jonathan Casey expressed concern regarding lack of participation in the fire services contracts by the City Manager and expressed concern regarding lack of funding from the County for fire services.
Alice Thomas opposed the proposed fire services contracts and supported firefighter personnel.
Celeste Bocanegra opposed the proposed fire services contracts and supported funding for firefighter personnel.
Alicia Hernandez opposed the proposed fire services contracts, supported the firefighter personnel, and expressed concern San Benito County is not paying their fair share.
Patsy Gascsa supported increasing firefighter personnel levels.
Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 8:46 p.m.
Councilmember Resendiz spoke in support of the proposed fire services contracts.
Councilmember Morales opposed the proposed fire services contracts.
Councilmember Picha requested more time to consider the proposed fire services contracts to hear from the community, subject matter experts, and partner agencies.
Mayor Stephens provided information regarding the negotiations ad hoc committee process and future operational decisions.
City Attorney Mary Lerner provided information regarding the manner for addressing potential disruptions during a public meetings. 0 By consensus, the City Council directed staff to bring the proposed fire services contracts forward for Council consideration at a future City Council meeting.
The City Council recessed at 9:01 p.m. and reconvened at 9:19 p.m.
7.2 CONSIDER, DISCUSS, AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING
CREATING A CITY OF HOLLISTER ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Assistant City Attorney Gail Zurek provided the staff report.
Councilmember Resendiz suggested creating a downtown business owners advisory body for the City and task them with exploring creation of a downtown entertainment district. Additionally, Councilmember Resendiz suggested updating the Municipal Code to address downtown noise.
Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 9:47 p.m.
There were no speakers for this item.
Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 9:47 p.m
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to return with additional information regarding potential creation of a downtown business advisory body that can help the City respond to community and business needs.
The Council additionally requested information on consolidating the proposed advisory body with various existing advisory bodies and potential costs for the actions. Finally, staff is directed to return with an update to the City's noise ordinance to address downtown noise.
By consensus, the City Council agreed to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m.
7.3 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2026-2030 CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS PLAN
Public Works Director William Via provided the staff report.
Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 9:58 p.m.
Cesar Plascencia supported fair pay for workers on City projects and strong pre -qualification requirements to help protect workers and ensure high -quality projects are completed.
Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 9:59 p.m.
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Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Mayor Stephens
Receive report and adopt a resolution approving the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Projects Plan.
7 Ayes (4): Mayor Stephens, Council Member Picha, Council Member Resendiz, and Council Member Morales
Absent (1): Council Member de Anda
Carried (4 to 0)
7.4 DOMESTIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATIONS
OPTIONS
Public Works Director William Via provided the staff report.
Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 10:13 p.m.
There were no speakers for this item.
Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 10:13 p.m.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to extend the current contract with Veolia for the remainder of the original six -year term extension.
8. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
8.1 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Councilmember Resendiz reported he attended the San Benito County Council of Governments workshop on the Highway 25 project.
Mayor Stephens reported she attended a LAFCO meeting where they made appointments and are moving forward with the Municipal Services Review process.
8.2 COUNCIL REPORTS
None.
8.3 CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager David Mirrione introduced Sean Colt as the City's new Information Systems and Technology Director.
1. UPDATED CITY COUNCIL PROJECTS
9. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Mary Lerner read the closed session item titles.
9.1 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
9.2 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT
TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
Property: 351 Astro Dr, Hollister, CA 95023
Agency Negotiator: David Mirrione, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Steve Perricone
Under Negotiation: Terms
9.3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of case: Sywak v. City of Hollister, et al. San Benito County Superior Court Case No. CU-24-00332
9.4 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 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) Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 10:25 p.m.
There were no speakers for the closed session agenda items.
Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 10:25 p.m.
The City Council convened into closed session at 10:25 p.m.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 11:27 p.m.
ennife odworth, City Clerk
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