Page | 1 City Council Meeting Minutes (May 16, 2023)
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL
UNOFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 16, 2023
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Jordan called the regular meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 311 Second Street, San Juan Bautista, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Sabathia led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL Present:
Councilmember Scott Freels
Mayor Pro Tem John Freeman
Councilmember Jackie Morris-Lopez
Councilmember EJ Sabathia
Mayor Leslie Q. Jordan
Absent:
Staff Present:
Don Reynolds, City Manager
Robert Rathie, City Attorney
Elizabeth Soto, CMC, CPMC, Deputy City Clerk
2. CLOSED SESSION – 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
a. Public Employee Performance Evaluation – (California Government Code section §54957(b)(1)) – the City Manager.
No public comment received.
City Attorney Rathie reported that there no reportable action.
Reconvened Open Session at 6:01 p.m.
3. PROCLAMATION
The City Council proclaimed:
Public Works Week, May 21-27, 2023
LGBTQ+ Pride Month, June 2023
The City Council awarded:
National Preservation Month Awards: Native Daughters of the Golden West, Parlor 179; and Drew and Peggy Neubauer
Page | 2 City Council Meeting Minutes (May 16, 2023)
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Received public comment.
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. San Juan Bautista Business Association Annual Report Jill Pagaran and Fran Fitzharris San Juan Bautista Business Association, provided the Annual Report.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Heliena Walton
6. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Weed Abatement
Hollister Fire Marshall Charlie Bedolla provided the report.
Mayor Jordan opens the public hearing.
Received comments from the following members of the public:
Chris Martorana, 0 Franklin Road.
Cynthia Orozco, 451 San Juan Hollister Road.
Public hearing closed.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Sabathia, second by Mayor Pro Tem Freeman, the Resolution Declaring the condition of certain properties to constitute a public nuisance, ordering the abatement of weeds thereon, and conduct a public hearing for the receipt of objections was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Freels, Freeman, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None.
7. CONSENT
A. Approve the Affidavit of Posting Agenda.
B. Waive the Reading of Ordinances and Resolutions on the Agenda Beyond the Title.
C. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 24, 2023.
D. Approve the Joint Workshop Meeting Minutes of January 31, 2023.
E. Approve the Special Meeting Minutes of January 31, 2023.
F. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 21, 2023.
G. Approve the Joint Workshop Meeting Minutes of March 7, 2023.
Page | 3 City Council Meeting Minutes (May 16, 2023)
H. Approve a RESOLUTION 2023-30 Confirming the continued Existence of Two Local Emergencies Related to Excessive Winter Storms Affecting the City of San Juan Bautista.
I. Approve a RESOLUTION 2023-31 Ratifying the Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 for Valle Vista Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 1.
J. Approve a RESOLUTION 2023-32 Declaring the City’s Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments Within Valle Vista Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2023-24 and Setting the Time and Place for a Hearing on Said Assessment.
K. Approve a RESOLUTION 2023-33 Authorizing approval of a contract with David J Powers and Associates, Inc. for environmental review of Development Permit In Response to a Notice To Abate A Public Nuisance: 451 San Juan Hollister Rd.
L. Approve a RESOLUTION approving a grant application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund program to help fund the Abbe Park Renovation project; committing to providing matching funds; agreeing to maintain Abbe Park for outdoor uses; and appointing the City Manager as the agent for the City administering the grant through the completion of the project.
M. Approve a RESOLUTION 2023-34 authorizing the City Manager to approve a Professional Services Contract with Realty Group Inc. to prepare and obtain Certification of the City of San Juan Bautista 6th Cycle Housing Element Update (2024-2031).
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Freeman, second by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, Consent Agenda items A-J was approved. AYES: Councilmembers: Freels, Freeman, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None. Motion Carried.
Item K:
The following member of the public commented on the report:
Cynthia Orozco
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Freels, second by Councilmember Sabathia, the Resolution Authorizing approval of a contract with David J Powers and Associates, Inc. for environmental review of Development Permit In Response to a Notice To Abate A Public Nuisance: 451 San Juan Hollister Rd. was approved. AYES: Councilmembers: Freels, Freeman, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
Councilmember Morris-Lopez; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None. Motion Carried.
Item L:
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Linda Ginn
LeeAnna Brothers
Heliena Walton
Wanda Guibert
Page | 4 City Council Meeting Minutes (May 16, 2023)
Jill Pagaran
David Medeiros
Armando Venegas
Rhonda Io
Dan DeVries
Councilmember Freels motion to deny grant application.
Item failed. No action was taken on this item.
Item M:
Assistant City Manager Brian Foucht provided the report. State law requires housing elements to be updated periodically, and the most recent update is due on December 31, 2023. This will update the current Housing Element 2019-2023.
Received comments from the following members of the public:
Elia Salinas
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Sabathia, second by Mayor Pro Tem Freeman, a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve a Professional Services Contract with Realty Group Inc. to prepare and obtain Certification of the City of San Juan Bautista 6th Cycle Housing Element Update (2024-2031), with the stipulation that there be firm deadlines for completion of the work was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Freels, Freeman, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None. Motion Carried.
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. Reports from City Council Representatives to Regional Organizations and Committees The Council reported on the meetings that they attended.
No public comment received,
B. City Council Announcements
The City Councilmembers shared upcoming events.
C. Treasurer’s Report and Monthly Financial Statements
City Treasurer Michelle Sabathia provided the report.
No public comment received.
D. City Manager’s Report
a. Fire Department Update
b. Sheriff Department Update
City Manager Reynolds provided a PowerPoint presentation and fielded questions from the Council. Fire Chief Bob Martin del Campo provided an update on recent accidents, fires and medical emergencies. Commander Silvestre Yerena provided an update on recent incidents Page | 5 City Council Meeting Minutes (May 16, 2023)
and announced that there will be a second dedicated Deputy assigned to San Juan Bautista.
No public comment received.
9. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Economic Development Corporation of San Benito County (EDC) - San Benito County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) strategy schedule for publication of the draft and public review.
Renee Wells, Economic Development Corporation of San Benito County provided the report.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Diana De La Paz
Cynthia Orozco
Heliena Walton
Elia Salinas
Lori Wilson
B. Revising Title 13 “Violations” by Repealing and Replacing Article 4 “Noticed Nuisance Abatement Procedure” and Article 5 “Emergency Nuisance Abatement Procedures” of Chapter 1 “Enforcement” by Adoption of an Ordinance Entitled “Alternative Public Nuisance Abatement Procedures.”
Mayor Jordan requested item be tabled and brought back to the next meeting.
C. Receive presentation of the City’s Draft Budget for Fiscal Year 2023/24, and schedule workshops. Draft Fiscal Year 2023/34 Budget.
City Manager Reynolds introduced the City’s Draft Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24. The Draft Budget is at City Hall and on the city’s website for review. The budget workshops will take place on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
No public comment received.
D. Discussion related to letter dated April 26, 2023 regarding the Use of Name “San Juan Bautista Business Association.
Councilmember Sabathia requested this item be brough before the Council for discussion.
City Attorney Rathie reported on a letter the City received regarding the Use of the name San Juan Bautista Business Association.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Gary Byrne, Community Foundation – via email
Kathy Z. Johnson – via email
Jeana Arnold, PG&E Government Affairs – via email
Linda Ginn
Jill Pagaran
Fran Fitzharris
Heliena Walton
Page | 6 City Council Meeting Minutes (May 16, 2023)
E. Revisiting Zoning Code Section 11-04-110 Regarding Regulation of Large-Scale Retail, Formula Retail, Formula Restaurant and Formula Visitor Accommodations Businesses.
Mayor Jordan requested this item be tabled and brought back to the next meeting.
10. ACTION ITEMS
A. Approve the Agreement with the City of Hollister for Domestic Wastewater Treatment
City Manager Don Reynolds provided the report.
No public comment received.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Sabathia, second by Mayor Pro Tem Freeman, Resolution 2023-35 authorizing the Mayor to execute the Agreement with the City of Hollister, and directing the City Manager to present the Agreement to the City of Hollister for approval, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Freels, Freeman, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None. Motion Carried.
B. Approve a Public Utility Easement Deed from the City of Hollister for the Sanitary Sewer Force Main to Hollister Project.
City Manager Reynolds provided the report.
No public comment received.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Sabathia, second by Mayor Pro Tem Freeman, Resolution 2023-36 authorizing the Mayor to execute the Public Utility Easement Deed (“Deed”) for the transportation of domestic wastewater (the “Grantee’s Facilities”) along with the right of ingress and egress over, upon and across that certain real property commonly known as San Benito County APNs 052-100-0010 (2690 Old San Juan Hollister Road) and 052-100-0070 (2690 Old San Juan Hollister Road. and direct the City Manager to present this Easement to the City of Hollister for approval, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Freels, Freeman, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None. Motion Carried.
C. Review Zoning Ordinance Chapter 11-04 Additional Development Standards, Section 11-04-030 Mixed Use, Commercial and Industrial Districts.
City Manager Reynolds provided the report. Staff recommends the matter be referred back to the Planning Commission for deliberation.
The Council agreed that Zoning Ordinance Chapter 11-04 stay and have the Planning Commission reevaluate and bring back recommendations to the City Council.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Page | 7 City Council Meeting Minutes (May 16, 2023)
Lori Wilson
Jim Leibold
Jose Aranda
Cynthia Orozco
Chris Martorana
Diana Del Paz
Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Brian Foucht pointed out that the characteristics of the Ordinance and that is that it applies to all commercial uses and Industrial uses not simply commercial uses in the downtown district or the mixed-use area. By staying the Ordinance, generally, all commercial and all industrial uses in the community are affected.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Sabbatia, second by Councilmember Freels, the City Council directed the Planning Commission to evaluate and recommend to the City Council alternatives for amendment of Zoning Ordinance Section 11-04-030 and any related Zoning Ordinance provisions.
AYES: Councilmembers: Freels, Freeman, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None. Motion Carried.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn by Councilmember Freels, second by Councilmember Sabathia. All in favor.
There being no other business, Mayor Jordan adjourned the meeting at 10:55 p.m.
APPROVED:
______________________
Leslie Q. Jordan, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Elizabeth Soto, Deputy City Clerk