Members Present:
City Council of the City of Hollister
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
September 8, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
City Council Chamber, City Hall
375 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023
Roxanne Stephens, Mayor
Rudy Picha, District 1
Rolan Resendiz, District 2
Dolores Morales, District 3
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
Deputy City Clerk Gonzalez called the roll.
3 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Morales led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Deputy City Clerk Gonzalez announced that at their meeting of August 17, 2026, the City Council opted into Fire Truck Price-Fixing/Antitrust litigation by a unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present.
5. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
5.1 CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Alisa Gill Ojeda from Jacobs Heart received the proclamation.
6. PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 6:38 p.m.
Judy Gansen asked Council to reconsider the back -in parking on San Benito Street.
Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 6:40 p.m.
1 7. CONSENT ITEMS
Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 6:42 p.m.
There were no speakers for the consent agenda items.
Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 6:42 p.m.
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Approving the Consent Agenda as presented.
Ayes (5): Council Member de Anda, Council Member Morales, Council Member Picha, Council Member Resendiz, and Mayor Stephens
Carried (5 to 0)
7.1 AUGUST 17, 2026 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
7.2 WARRANT REGISTER AUGUST 17, 2026
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Ratify and approve the Warrant Registers for the General -Special - Enterprise -Assessment Funds attached.
Carried
7.3 A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Adopt a resolution amending the City of Hollister's Conflict of Interest Code and rescind Resolution No. 2024-87
Carried
7.4 APPROVAL OF LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR ASSEMBLY BILL 1761 (ROGERS) REGARDING POWER CHARGE INDIFFERENCE
ADJUSTMENT TRANSPARENCY
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Approve a letter of support for Assembly Bill 1761 (Rogers) and authorize its submission to Governor Gavin Newsom.
Carried
2 7.5 A RESOLUTION DECLARING CERTAIN IDENTIFIED VEHICLES AND
EQUIPMENT AS SURPLUS AND AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSAL OF
SAID SURPLUS THROUGH AN ALREADY AUTHORIZED
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH ONLINE AUCTION
COMPANY GOVDEALS INC.
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Adopt a resolution declaring the equipment and vehicles listed in Exhibit [A] as surplus, and that such declared surplus be disposed of through online auction by GovDeals Inc.
Carried
7.6 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A
LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC
COMPANY FOR THE USE OF THE HOLLISTER COMMUNITY CENTER
AT 300 WEST STREET DURING A PUBLIC SAFETY SHUTOFF EVENT Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Adopt a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a license agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company for the use of the Hollister Community Center at 300 West Street during a Public Safety Shutoff Event.
Carried
7.7 APPROVE A LEGAL SERVICE AGREEMENT (CONTINGENCY FEE
RETAINER) LLC D/B/A NAPOLI SHKOLNIK PLLC AND VENTURA &
RIBEIRO, PLLC D/B/A VENTURA LAW TO INVESTIGATE AND
PROSECUTE ANTITRUST CLAIMS RELATED TO FIRE TRUCK
PROCUREMENT
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Approve a legal service agreement (contingency fee retainer) with NSPR Law Services LLC d/b/a Napoli Shkolnik PLLC and Ventura & Ribeiro, PLLC d/b/a Ventura Law (together, "Law Firm") to investigate and, if warranted, prosecute claims against fire truck manufacturers, trade associations, and their executives arising from alleged price-fixing and other anticompetitive conduct affecting the City's purchase of fire apparatus.
Carried
7.8 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF THE MIGUEL MINOR SUBDIVISION INTO COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT #4 ANNEXATION NO. 66 (PUBLIC FACILITIES SERVICES)
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Adopt a resolution approving the annexation of the Miguel Minor Subdivision into CFD#4.
Carried
7.9 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOLLISTER
APPROVING THE PROPOSED BOUNDARY OF THE MIGUEL MINOR
SUBDIVISION FOR THE ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY INTO
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT #5 ANNEXATION NO. 29 (POLICE
AND FIRE SERVICES)
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Adopt a resolution approving the annexation of the Miguel Minor Subdivision into CFD#5.
Carried
7.10 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PUBLIC
RIGHT-OF-WAY AND OTHER AREAS DESIGNATED FOR PUBLIC USE
WITHIN THE PROJECT ALMOND/CLEARIST PARK SUBDIVISION,
TRACT NO. 359, ACCEPTING THE OFFERS OF DEDICATION SHOWN
IN THE FINAL MAP
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Adopt a resolution accepting the improvements in the public right-of-way and other areas designated for public use within the Project Almond/Clearist Park Subdivision, Tract No. 359, accepting the offers of dedication shown in the Final Map for, or separately recorded against, the property, as required by the Subdivision Improvement Agreement.
Carried
7.11 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND
APPROVING REDUCTION IN PERFORMANCE BOND FOR WEST OF
FAIRVIEW PHASE 2 SUBDIVISION
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
4 Adopt a resolution accepting the Public Improvements for the West of Fairview Phase 2 Subdivision as constructed in accordance with the approved plans, specifications, and applicable City standards. It is further recommended that the City Council approve the corresponding reduction of the improvement bond securing the Public Improvements, consistent with the value of the improvements completed and accepted by the City.
Carried
7.12 A RESOLUTION GRANTING ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND APPROVING REDUCTION IN PERFORMANCE
BOND FOR THE ASPEN PARK SUBDIVISION
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Adopt a resolution accepting the Public Improvements for the Aspen Park Subdivision as constructed in accordance with the approved plans, specifications, and applicable City standards. It is further recommended that the City Council approve the corresponding reduction of the improvement bond securing the Public Improvements, consistent with the value of the improvements completed and accepted by the City.
Carried
7.13 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A $50,000 CONTRACT AMENDMENT
WITH GRANITE ROCK COMPANY FOR THE WEST GATEWAY
ROUNDABOUT PROJECT (CIP C1816)
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Adopt a resolution approving a $50,000 contract amendment with Granite Rock Company for additional work required to repair unforeseen third - party damage to City improvements and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary contract documents.
Carried
7.14 A RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO CLOSE OUT ONGOING FY25/26 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS PREVIOUSLY
APPROVED
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to carry forward the remaining funds for capital 5 improvement projects that were approved and funded in the prior fiscal year and are still under construction or require final project closeout.
Carried
7.15 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT NO. 361, 1620 BUENA VISTA SUBDIVISION
AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT FOR
IMPROVEMENT WITH 1620 BUENA VISTA LLC, A CALIFORNIA
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Adopt a resolution approving the Subdivision Improvement Agreement for the 1620 Buena Vista Subdivision, Tract No. 361, and authorizing execution of the agreement for the improvements with 1620 Buena Vista LLC, a California limited liability company.
Carried
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.1 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF HOLLISTER'S
CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE STATEWIDE COMMUNITY
INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (SCIP)
Airport Director Crechriou provided the report and introduced James Hamill, who provided a presentation.
Mayor Stephens opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m.
Karson Klauer provided additional information on how the SCIP program works and expressed concerns about adding it to residential projects.
Mayor Stephens closed the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Picha
Conduct a public hearing, adopt a Resolution authorizing the City of Hollister's continued participation in the Statewide Community Infrastructure Program (SCIP), and authorize the City Manager to execute documents and take actions necessary to implement the City's continued participation in SCIP, consistent with the adopted resolution and applicable law.
Ayes (4): Council Member de Anda, Council Member Picha, Council Member Resendiz, and Mayor Stephens
6 Noes (1): Council Member Morales
Carried via roll call vote (4 to 1)
8.2 CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF
RESOLUTIONS APPROVING THE INITIATION OF GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT AND PREZONE FOR THREE PROJECT SITES
Airport Director Jeff Crechriou provided the staff presentation.
Mayor Stephens opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.
Anne HaII spoke in support of the Clearist Park Property.
Michael Brigantino spoke in support of the Brigantino Property.
Mayor Stephens closed the public hearing at 7:37 p.m.
Moved by: Council Member Picha
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Adopt a resolution approving the initiation of General Plan Amendment 2026-1 and Prezone 2026-1 for a 1.9 -acre parcel located at the northwest corner of Fairview Road and HWY 25 (APN 020-330-003)- Vakili.
Ayes (3): Council Member Morales, Council Member Picha, and Mayor Stephens
Noes (2): Council Member de Anda, and Council Member Resendiz Failed via roll call vote (3 to 2)
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Picha
Adopt a resolution approving the initiation of Prezone 2026-2 for the 12.9 - acre parcel located in the unincorporated area of the County of San Benito, Northwest of Wright Road and San Felipe Road and the initiation of General Plan Amendment 2026-2 to amend the Land Use Plan Map of the City of Hollister General Plan to include to annex the parcel into the City (APN 019-090-025)-Brigantino.
Ayes (5): Council Member de Anda, Council Member Morales, Council Member Picha, Council Member Resendiz, and Mayor Stephens Carried (5 to 0)
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Picha
7 Adopt a resolution approving the initiation of General Plan Amendment 2026-3 and Prezone 2026-3 for a 40.03 -acre parcel located between Highway 25 and the City of Hollister Municipal Airport (APN 014-090-053 014-090-016, and 014-090-058)- Wynn/Clearist Park.
Ayes (5): Council Member de Anda, Council Member Morales, Council Member Picha, Council Member Resendiz, and Mayor Stephens Carried (5 to 0)
8.3 A RESOLUTION VACATING THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF A PORTION OF
NASH ROAD BETWEEN WEST STREET AND MONTEREY STREET
Airport Director Crechriou provided the staff presentation.
Mayor Stephens opened the public hearing at 8:10 p.m.
Gordon Machado gave some historical context to the matter and opposed the project.
Debra Lotz spoke in opposition of the project.
John Frusetta spoke in support of the project.
Kristy Bettencourt spoke in support of the project.
Mayor Stephens closed the public hearing at 8:21 p.m.
By consensus the City Council continued the item to a date certain of October 19, 2026.
9. COUNCIL BUSINESS
9.1 DISCUSSION REGARDING ANIMAL SERVICES OPERATIONS,
POLICE OVERSIGHT, AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION
Discuss animal services operations in the City of Hollister and, if needed, provide direction to staff.
City Manager Cortez provided the report, Chief Reynoso and Captain Paddy answered Council questions.
Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 9:27 p.m.
Lisa Sears Spoke addressed the information on the 2016 Grand Jury Report, spoke about the success of SnipBus, and asked about the Helen Ross Fund.
Katelyn Felix from Cat Crew California expressed concerns about Animal Services processes relating to stray cats and the financial burden imposed on local volunteers and rescues.
8 Jillian Wilson spoke in support of the volunteer program and expressed the need for staff at the animal shelter.
Natalie Day expressed concerns with Animal Shelter operations as it relates to cats, expressed the need for funding, and asked about the Helen Ross Fund.
Jennifer spoke in support of the volunteer program and the great communication they have with department staff.
Yuko Pierson spoke regarding her family's experience with the animal shelter and the euthanasia of her dogs.
Debra Lotz spoke of her experience with trapping and re -homing feral cats and spoke in support of SnipBus.
Chris Doherty expressed the need for additional funding for the animal shelter.
Nicole Lorusso expressed concern for the inconsistencies in responses from animal services staff as it relates to calls for service for found animals.
Melissa Williams shared data regarding sheltered animals.
Sandy Kakaio-Wren shared her experience in becoming a volunteer at the animal shelter. She expressed that it took about a year due to staff shortages.
Ginna Arnold -Lazar spoke regarding Dave's Fund and their support of Hollister Police and Animal Services.
Delia P. asked the Council to make the changes necessary to help the animals.
Tim Pierson spoke regarding his family's recent experience with the euthanasia of their dogs and questioned the procedures in making dangerous dog determinations.
Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 10:10 p.m.
By consensus, the City Council gave staff direction to evaluate the ideas provided during the discussion: spay neuter funding, resources at the shelter, animal shelter hours, spay neuter ordinance, dangerous dog protocol, evaluate the two types of behavioral assessments, better conveyance of information to the public, improving relationships with non- profit partners, and look into what other agencies are doing, like a JPA.
They suggested that the City make a plan for the use of the Helen Ross Fund, consider the creation of an advisory board, develop a better communication strategy to relay information to the public, and strongly consider separating the Animal Services Department from the Police Department. They asked that staff start by evaluating the dangerous dog 9 protocol and areas to improve, exploring the JPA option, developing a plan for the Helen Ross Fund, and looking into creating an advisory board.
The Meeting recessed at 10:39 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 10:45 p.m.
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Picha
Extending the meeting past 10:00 p.m.
Ayes (5): Council Member de Anda, Council Member Morales, Council Member Picha, Council Member Resendiz, and Mayor Stephens Carried (5 to 0)
9.2 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR THEIR
DESIGNEE, TO APPLY FOR AND EXECUTE A FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE WATER RESOURCES
CONTROL BOARD FOR THE VALENZUELA WATER SERVICE
UPGRADE PROJECT
Public Works Director Tony White provided a presentation.
Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 10:57 p.m.
BaltazarAcosta spoke regarding the State's revolving fund for these types of projects.
Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 10:59 p.m.
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Morales
Adopt a resolution designating the City Manager, or their designee, as the City's Authorized Representative for the Valenzuela Water Service Upgrade Project, and authorize them to apply for and execute a financial assistance agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board for the Project.
Ayes (5): Council Member de Anda, Council Member Morales, Council Member Picha, Council Member Resendiz, and Mayor Stephens Carried (5 to 0)
9.3 A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING A VOTING DELEGATE AND UP TO
TWO ALTERNATE VOTING DELEGATES FOR THE LEAGUE OF
CALIFORNIA CITIES GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND AUTHORIZING
TRAVEL FOR THE DELEGATES
City Manager Cortez provided the staff report.
10 Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 11:05 p.m.
There were no speakers for this item.
Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 11:05 p.m.
Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
Seconded by: Council Member Picha
Adopt a resolution designating Council Member Dolores Morales as voting delegate and Vice Mayor Priscila de Anda and Council Member Rudy Picha as alternate voting delegates for the League of California Cities Annual General Assembly and authorizing up to three travel reimbursements.
Ayes (5): Council Member de Anda, Council Member Morales, Council Member Picha, Council Member Resendiz, and Mayor Stephens Carried (5 to 0)
10. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
10.1 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Council Member Morales reported that Integrated Waste Management is in the process of negotiating a new contract. She shared that 3CE will have its retreat next week. She stated that the Seniors Council needs a new council member appointee; Vice Mayor de Anda said that she is currently the alternate and she could assume the appointed seat.
Council Member Picha attended the San Benito Business Council Meeting. He recommended that the public review the meeting details because it gave great information on the HWY 25 interchange.
Mayor Stephens attended the Tourism Advisory Committee, where the discussion was focused on wayfinding/signage for our county. She gave information on the Rocks Rd animal crossing project. She announced that a public forum will happen in the next 2-3 months to discuss those projects. She attended the Council of Governments meeting (COG), where she was appointed as the Chair for that board. She gave an update on the Highway 101/25 interchange and shared that Binu Aberhamson from COG will give an update at the September 21st City Council meeting.
10.2 COUNCIL REPORTS
None.
10.3 CITY MANAGER REPORT
None.
1. PRA REPORT -JULY
11 11. CLOSED SESSION
Closed session items were continued to the September 9, 2026, special meeting per GC 54954.2 (b).
11.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9
Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of 54956.9 of the Government Code: Three Cases
11.2 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6
Agency designated representatives: City Manager Ana Cortez, HR Director Noel Mink and City Attorney Jennifer Thompson
Hollister Firefighters Union (HFFU)
11.3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Closed Session Pursuant to section 54956.9(d)(1) of the Government Code
Name of Case: Sywak v. City of Hollister
Superior Court Case No. CU -25-00167
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Stephen adjourned the meeting at 11:15 p.m.
Angie Gon alez, Deputy City' Clerk
12