Page | 1 City Council Meeting Minutes (May 21, 2024)
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL
UNOFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 21, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Freels called the regular meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 311 Second Street, San Juan Bautista California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL Present:
Councilmember John Freeman
Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Q. Jordan
Councilmember Jackie Morris-Lopez
Councilmember EJ Sabathia
Mayor Scott Freels
Absent:
Staff Present:
Elizabeth Soto, CMC, CPMC, Acting City Clerk
Don Reynolds, City Manager
Jon R Giffen, City Attorney
2. CLOSED SESSION – 5:30 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to:
a. Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation – (Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9: One case.).
b. Public Employee Performance Evaluation – (California Government Code section §54957(b)(1)) – the City Manager.
No public comment.
Mayor Freels adjourned to a closed session at 5:33 p.m.
Mayor Freels reconvened the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
City Attorney Giffen reported that item b was tabled. No reportable action.
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INTRODUCTION:
Mayor Freels welcomes newly sworn-in Hollister Fire Chief John Golding.
3. PROCLAMATION
A. San Juan Bautista Soccer Club, Recognition and Presentation of Trophy to the City
San Juan Bautista Soccer League, Ricardo Torres, Co-President, and Justin Garman, CoPresident and Coach presented the city with the trophy that they won during the championship The City Council presented the San Juan Bautista Soccer Club team with certificates of recognition.
B. National Preservation Month Awards: Tuccoletta Hall/Plaza Market; and The Lovett House
In recognition of National Preservation Month, the City Council presented awards to:
Private Building - 800 Second Street, The Lovett House; and Public Building – 203 Third Street, The Toccoletta Hall/Plaza Market
The City of San Juan Bautista proclaimed:
C. Public Works Week, May 19-25, 2024
D. LGBTQ+ Pride Month, June 2024
E. Mental Health Month May 2024
4. PRESENTATION
A. Council of San Benito County Governments (SBCOG)
Binu Abraham, Executive Director, Council of San Benito County Governments (SBCOG) provided the report.
No public comments.
B. SR 156 Improvement Project: Union Road Closure
Binu Abraham, Executive Director, Council of San Benito County Governments (SBCOG) provided the report.
No public comments.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Received public comment from the following members of the public:
Michael Ponce, Jr. Giants food permit
Ida Pisano, Planning Commission Vacancy
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6. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Weed Abatement
Fire Marshall Charlie Bedolla provided the report. The abatement program aims to reduce the fire hazard and other dangerous aspects of weeds growing on public and private property. A public hearing will be conducted to hear objections to the proposed abatement, and written notice of the hearing was mailed to all affected property owners on April 16, 2024. The costs associated with the abatement program will be assessed as liens on the properties where the abatement is performed.
Fire Marshall Bedolla stated that a few objections have been received.
Mayor Freels opened the public hearing
No public comment was received.
Mayor Freels closed the public hearing.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Freeman, second by Councilmember Sabathia, a 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: Freeman, Jordan, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Freels; NOES:
None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Freels recess to a short recess at 7:15 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 7:23 p.m.
7. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. Treasurer’s Report and Monthly Financial Statements
City Manager Don Reynolds provided the financial report for the month ending March 31, 2024.
No public comment.
B. Reports from City Council Representatives to Regional Organizations and Committees
The City Councilmembers reported on the meetings that they attended and provided a brief overview.
No public comment.
C. City Council Announcements
The City Councilmembers announced upcoming events happening in the city.
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D. City Manager’s Report
City Manager Don Reynolds provided the report followed by a PowerPoint presentation. City Council worked on updating the 5-Year Strategic Plan, which is a critical part of the budget. They reviewed 63 goals and reconsidered priorities, which will be reflected in the budget. The City Council adopted principals last year, which are still in effect. The City has a new City Service Philosophy and Hiring Philosophy, which were discussed during the Citygate employee workshop on May 3rd.
The Public Safety Coordinator is working to revamp the small events permit applications, and developing a formal fee schedule. The City is in the process of developing a non-profit funding process in which $50,000 will be allocated to the budget. City Hall will be extending their hours and will be closing at 5:00 p.m. starting May 28, 2024.
There has been five miles of pipe that has been laid with Rancho Vista work to commence the first week of June.
The following members of the public commented on the report.
Michael Ponce, Lobby for water permits
a. Fire Department Update –
Charlie Bedolla, Fire Marshall provided the report.
No public comment.
b. Sheriff Department Update –
No report was provided.
No public comment.
c. Public Safety Department Update –
No verbal report was provided.
No public comment.
d. Library Department Update –
Rochell Eagen, Library Supervisor provided a status report.
No public comment.
8. CONSENT
A. Approve the Affidavit of Posting Agenda.
B. Approve a RESOLUTION Authorizing the Closure of Streets for Events in 2024.
C. Valle Vista Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District.
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Recommendation: (1) Approve a RESOLUTION Ordering Preparation of An Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25 for Valle Vista Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 1; (2) Approve a RESOLUTION Declaring Its Intention To Levy And Collect
Assessments Within Valle Vista Landscape and Lighting
Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and Setting the Time and Place for a Hearing on said Assessment; (3) RECEIVE AND CONSIDER the draft Assessment Report to be the subject of final acceptance at the Public Hearing; (4) Approve a RESOLUTION Ratifying the Report Prepared In Connection with the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Levy of Assessments in Connection with Valle Vista Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 1
D. Community Facilities District No. 2018-01.
Recommendation: (1) Approve a RESOLUTION Ordering Preparation of An Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25 For Community Facilities District No. 2018-01; (2) Approve a RESOLUTION Declaring its Intention to Levy And Collect Assessments Within Community Facilities District No. 2018-01 for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and Setting The Time And Place For a Hearing On Said Assessment; (3) RECEIVE AND CONSIDER the draft Engineer’s Report to be the subject of final acceptance at the Public Hearing; (4) Approve a RESOLUTION Ratifying The Report Prepared In Connection With the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Levy of Assessments In Connection With Community Facilities District No. 2018-01 For Fiscal Year 2024-25 E. November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION ordering an election, requesting the San Benito County Elections Department to conduct the election, and requesting consolidation of the November 5, 2024 election.
F. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 20, 2023.
G. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2024.
No public comments.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Sabathia, second by Mayor Pro Tem Jordan, Consent Items A, B, C, D, F, and G were approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Freeman, Jordan, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Freels; NOES:
None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
Item E
The nomination period starts Monday, July 15 through August 9, 2024. If the incumbents do not run, the nomination period is extended an additional five days, which in turn will end on August 14, 2024.
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No public comments.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Jordan, second by Councilmember Sabathia, Consent Item E, Resolution ordering an election, requesting the San Benito County Elections Department to conduct the election, and requesting consolidation of the November 5, 2024 election, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Freeman, Jordan, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Freels; NOES:
None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
9. ACTION ITEMS
A. Fiscal Year 2024/25 Draft Budget
Don Reynolds, City Manager, provided the draft Budget for Fiscal Year 2024/25. The General Fund is projected to have a surplus of $143,591 by June 30, 2025. The fire services contract with Hollister is being re-evaluated, which may impact the City's General Fund Balance. The City has an ambitious Capital Improvement Plan, including street improvements, water and wastewater system improvements, and building improvements. The City Council is recommended to set dates for a budget workshop in June and schedule the budget for adoption at its regular June 18, 2024 City Council meeting.
The Capital Improvements for Fiscal Year 2024/25 include street improvements, the Microvi water treatment program, heating air conditioning for City Hall and the Chambers, electrifying the fleet, and leasing a fire engine.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce, Rib Cook-off; Abbe Park lights
The City Council is recommended to appoint a City Council Ad-Hoc Committee to consider options for fire services.
Mayor Freels and Mayor Pro Tem Jordan were appointed to the Ad Hoc Committee.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, second by Mayor Pro Tem, Mayor Freels and Mayor Pro Tem Jordan were appointed to the Ad Hoc Committee that will review public safety contracts.
AYES: Councilmembers: Jordan, Morris-Lopez, and Mayor Freels; NOES: None; ABSENT:
Councilmembers Freeman and Sabathia; ABSTAIN: None
The date for the upcoming budget workshop set once the City Council’s availability has been confirmed.
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B. Approve a Resolution Approving an Alternative Funding Structure for the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).
City Manager Don Reynolds provided the report. The San Benito Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) unanimously decided to invite special districts to have representation on LAFCO and proposed an alternative funding structure for LAFCO's budget to minimize the burden on the special districts. Approximately half of all LAFCOs in the State have special district representation, but special districts in San Benito do not have an equal voice to the County and the cities in LAFCO affairs. LAFCO has oversight over the existence and growth of special districts, and special districts have a vested interest in LAFCO actions.
In order to join LAFCO, special districts would be responsible for funding one third of LAFCO's operating costs, based on a formula requiring special districts to pay a third of LAFCO's operating costs unless another formula is agreed upon. San Benito LAFCO recommends that the County and cities approve an alternative funding structure allocating a fifth of LAFCO's operating costs to the special districts. This would result in financial impacts to the member agencies, with the County and cities benefiting from savings.
Mayor Pro Tem Jordan stated that there was a public workshop to bring to their boards, will bring forward to the next meeting. Will pay the lesser amount. There are several smaller special districts No public comment.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, second by Mayor Pro Tem, the Resolution approving an Alternative Funding Structure for the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Jordan, Morris-Lopez, and Mayor Freels; NOES: None; ABSENT:
Councilmembers Freeman and Sabathia; ABSTAIN: None
C. Volunteer Program
City Manager Don Reynolds and Recreation Assistant Caitlin Brady provided the report. The Volunteer Program will provide a checklist and guidelines for the City of San Juan Bautista, including steps and requirements for volunteers, a volunteer application form, and a volunteer job description. The adoption of a Volunteer Management Program would provide workers' compensation benefits for volunteers.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce, Jr. Giants
No action was taken. City Manager Don Reynolds announced that the item will be brough forward as part of the budget at the following meeting.
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10. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Rib Cook-off Debrief
Item was tabled.
B. Discussion on Development of Recreation Department Policies.
City Manager Don Reynolds and Recreation Assistant Caitlin Brady provided the report. The purpose of the Recreation Department policies is to guide the actions and operations of the department. These policies are intended to align with the needs of the community, ensure operational efficiency, promote financial sustainability, and comply with regulatory standards. By establishing clear and comprehensive policies, the Recreation Department can effectively manage its resources, provide diverse programming and facility management, promote inclusivity and accessibility, and maintain transparency in financial reporting and budgeting. These policies serve as a framework for decision-making, resource allocation, and overall management of the Recreation Department to foster a vibrant, strong, and engaged community.
Councilmember Sabathia stated that he was not opposed to having a fee schedule. Mayor Pro Tem Jordan asked about having funds go through a nonprofit.
No public comment.
City Manager Don Reynolds stated that item and discussion will be continued.
11. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
12. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Mayor Pro Tem Jordan, second by Councilmember MorrisLopez. All in favor.
There being no other business, Mayor Freels adjourned the meeting at 9:58 p.m.
APPROVED:
_____________________
Scott Freels, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________________
Elizabeth Soto, CMC, CPMC, Acting City Clerk
Item: 8.B
City Council Meeting
Date: June 18, 2024
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CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: JUNE 18, 2024
DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER
FROM: DON REYNOLDS
BY: DON REYNOLDS
TITLE: A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (“MOU”) BETWEEN
THE CITY AND SAN BENITO COUNTY REGARDING
DEVELOPMENT IN THE PLANNING AREA OUTSIDE CITY
LIMITS
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve the attached Resolution approving a MOU between the City and the County regarding coordinated development review for prosed projects within the City’s proposed Planning Area, which is that area outside of the Sphere of Influence and City Political Boundary.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On October 17, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution 2023-71 that approves a targeted General Plan Amendment to match a proposed sphere of influence and urban growth boundary as shown in the attached Map. It mostly aligns with the current City limits. The City then amended the scope of work with EMC that changes the Community Plan required for the LAFCO application to focus on infill development potential. The Urban Growth Boundary (“UGB”) Sphere of Influence (“SOI”) Committee shifted its focus to policy development for the Planning Area provided in the attached map.
Between January and May, LAFCO attended several of the Planning Area UGB/SOI Committee meetings. They advised the City to be certain it has an agreement in place before the SOI application is submitted. The Committee favors a more rigid form of policy than an MOU for this work. Sonoma and Ventura Counties took the concept to the voters, then after it was approved, adopted Ordinances. The attached MOU is intended to serve as a place-holder.
LAFCO anticipates receiving the City’s application in July, and has budgeted for a Municipal Service Review (“MSR”). Because the proposed SOI is so much smaller, the CEQA and MSR are anticipated to be simple and straight-forward.