Page | 1 City Council Strategic Planning Session April 14, 2023
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL
UNOFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 14, 2023
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Jordan called the Strategic Planning Session to order at 9:35 a.m. in Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), 58 Monterey Street, San Juan Bautista, California, San Juan Bautista, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL Present:
Mayor Pro Tem John Freeman
Councilmember Scott Freels
Councilmember Jackie Morris-Lopez
Councilmember EJ Sabathia
Mayor Leslie Q. Jordan
Staff Present:
Don Reynolds, City Manager
Brian Foucht, ACM/Community Development Director
Elizabeth Soto, Deputy City Clerk
2. ACTION ITEMS
A. Approve the Affidavit of Posting
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Freeman, second by Councilmember Sabathia, the Affidavit of Posting was approved.
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
2023 Strategic Plan
Citygate Associates presenters: Stacey Bristow, Local Government Specialist, Project Manager; Andy Green Local Government Finance Specialist; and Gary Elliot, Police Service Specialist.
A Survey was sent out to all city staff and community members. There were 81 responses as of April 7, 2023.
Top 10 Priorities
Water Quality (29) - Most significant as #1/#2
Roads and Streets (23) and Sidewalks and Curbs (11)
Economic Development (14)
Water Costs (10) + Water (unspecified) (7)
Business Friendliness (10) + Downtown Improvement (11) Schools (12)
Page | 2 City Council Strategic Planning Session April 14, 2023 Youth Recreation (10)
Cleanliness/ Vacant Lots/ Blight (9)
Sewers Service Quality (8) + Sewers (unspecified) (3) Communications/Responsiveness w/City (8)
Fiscal Positives:
The General Fund is fiscally healthy
FY22 General Fund unassigned reserves = $3.01 million (12.2 months of FY22 expenditures)
o FY22 tax-related revenues grew 49% when compared to FY19 Water rate increase in August 2022 and ongoing increases through 2026 to help stabilize operations and decrease operating losses
o FY22 Water Fund unrestricted reserves 8.8 months of FY22 expenditures Hiring of the ACM and creation of the EDCAC to improve focus on economic development within the City
Sewer rate increase in December 2021 and acquisition of grants and loans to help stabilized operations and improve service provision through the construction of the Hollister Force Main Project
Implementation of a new financial system to enhance fiscal recording and monitoring capabilities
Fiscal Issues:
Sewer Fund is in a weak financial position
o FY22 unrestricted reserves a negative $135,493
o FY22 unrestricted cash - $241,198
o FY22 operational results - $19,451 surplus
General fees have not been reviewed for several years, indicating that the City may not be recouping cost of providing general services associated with fees Lingering impacts of COVID-19
Aging infrastructure; no formal long-term CIP
Core Values: Collaboration, Honesty, Resourcefulness, Accountability, Integrity Council Priorities: Fiscal Stability, Infrastructure, Economic Development, Public Safety (disaster Prep/Code Enforcement), Communication, General Plan, Parks and Recreation Mission: The City of San Juan Bautista strives to provide exceptional service to the community by fostering a sustainable economy, while preserving its uniqueness through collaboration, honesty, and resourcefulness.
Vision: San Juan Bautista is a vibrant thriving community who strives to tell its complete history and cultural heritage while honoring the needs of its residents and business. San Juan Bautista offers the word a unique destination amidst boundless natural beauty, open space, and agricultural resources.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.