Page | 1 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 17, 2024)
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL
UNOFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 17, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Freels called the regular meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 311 Second Street, San Juan Bautista California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Freeman led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL Present:
Councilmember Jose Aranda
Councilmember Scott Freels
Councilmember Jackie Morris-Lopez
Mayor Pro Tem EJ Sabathia
Mayor Leslie Q. Jordan
Absent:
Staff Present:
Don Reynolds, City Manager
Jon R Giffen, City Attorney
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk
2. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A. Reports from City Council Representatives to Regional Organizations and Committees
Councilmembers Freeman, Morris-Lopez, Mayor Pro Tem Jordan, and Mayor Freels reported on the meetings that they attended.
Councilmember Freeman thanked the residents and stated that he tried to make the city a lot better and hoped he had succeeded.
3. CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION RESULTS
A. November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election Canvass City Clerk Elizabeth Soto provided the report and presented the results of the November 5, 2024 Municipal Election for the Offices of San Juan Bautista City Councilmembers.
No public comment.
Page | 2 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 17, 2024) MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Freeman, second by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, the Resolution Declaring the results of the November 5, 2024 Municipal Election for the Offices of San Juan Bautista City Councilmembers, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Freeman, Jordan, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia and Mayor Freels; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
4. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
A. Presentation of Plaque Honoring Retiring City Councilmember John Freeman The City Council presented Councilmember John Freeman with a plaque to honor his dedication and commitment as a member of the San Juan Bautista City Council for the past 8 years, contributing significantly to the growth and development of our community by helping to bring about positive change and lasting improvements. Councilmember Freeman has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the needs of our residents, and his service has been marked by a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to fostering unity, cooperation, and transparency within the Council and the broader community. The San Juan Bautista City Council extends deep gratitude to Councilmember John Freeman for his years of distinguished service to the community and express their sincere appreciation for his contributions to the betterment of City of San Juan Bautista.
5. CEREMONIAL OATH OF OFFICE
A. Administration of Oath of Office for Councilmembers Elect Jose Aranda and Scott Freels
Shawna Freels administered the Oath of Office for newly elected Councilmember Scott Freels.
Jessie Solis administered the Oath of Office for newly elected Councilmember Jose Aranda.
B. Installation of Newly Elected City Councilmembers
Councilmember Jose Aranda and Scott Freels were seated on the dais.
6. CONSIDERATION
A. Selection of Mayor for a One Year Term
Councilmember Morris-Lopez nominated Councilmember Jordan to serve as Mayor for a oneyear term.
No public comment.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, second by Councilmember Jordan, Councilmember Jordan was appointed to serve as Mayor for a one-year term.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Jordan, and Morris-Lopez; NOES: Councilmember Sabathia and Mayor Freels; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Page | 3 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 17, 2024) B. Selection of Mayor Pro Tem for a One Year Term
Councilmember Aranda nominated Councilmember Sabathia to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term.
No public comment.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, second by Councilmember Freels, Councilmember Sabathia was appointed to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term. Motion carried.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, and Sabathia; NOES: Councilmember Morris-Lopez and Mayor Jordan; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None. Motion carried.
7. PRESENTATION
A. CSUMB - Sustainable City Year Program.
Dr. Fernandez and the California State University, Monterey Bay, Environmental Studies 471, Capstone Class provided the presentation. The focus of CSUMB's Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP) is on sustainable infrastructure approaches, civic engagement, and incorporating the natural ecosystem by planting native species. Additionally, the program aims to promote eco-friendly design, create a welcoming space for the community, pollinators, and local wildlife, foster community connection and cultural heritage, enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and support pollinators.
The presentation also included a cost analysis section, discussing different cost options for improvement projects and construction costs based on ENR data. Feedback was given on enhancing public access to documents, promoting water conservation techniques, and offering free water leak inspections for residents of San Juan Bautista.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
John Hopper
Tomas
B. Review of Code of Ethics
City Attorney Jon Giffen reviewed the Code of Ethics that was adopted by the City council in June 2018. Members must work for the public interest of San Juan Bautista and ensure fair and equal treatment of all persons, claims, and transactions. Members are required to adhere to federal, state, and local laws in the performance of their public duties, including disclosing conflicts of interest and abstaining from related decisions. Members should follow established rules and processes governing public policy issues, public involvement, and policy implementation by staff. Members must avoid using their positions for personal gain, disclose financial interests, and abstain from decisions where conflicts of interest may arise. Council members should not unduly influence the deliberations or outcomes of board and commission proceedings to maintain the value of independent advice in the decision-making process.
Page | 4 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 17, 2024) The following members of the public commented on the report:
Rochelle Eagen
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
Received comments from the following members of the public:
Jill Pagaran, Spirit of San Juan
David Medeiros announced his resignation from HRB/PC as of January 1, 2025 Laurie Tankersley, County of San Benito Waste Management Elia Salinas
Christopher Barlow
9. CONSENT
A. Approve the Affidavit of Posting Agenda.
B. Waive Reading of Ordinances and Resolutions on the Agenda Beyond Title C. An Ordinance of the San Juan Bautista Municipal Code Adding a Vacancy Registration Fee
Recommendation: Adopt an ORDINANCE adding the Vacancy Registration Fee to the Municipal Code.
D. Conflict of Interest Code Biennial Review
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION Affirming the City’s Conflict of Interest Code Pursuant to the Political Reform Act (Government Code Section 81000, et seq.).
E. Acknowledge Receipt of a Report by The Hollister Fire Chief Regarding the Inspection of Certain Occupancies in The City
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION to authorize the acceptance of Senate Bill No. 1205, an act to add Section 13146.4 to the Health and Safety Code, relating to fire protection and to acknowledge receipt of a report made by the Fire Chief of the Hollister Fire Department regarding certain occupancies annual inspections.
F. California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) Research Agreement; City Sustainable Year Program
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute a Research Agreement with the University Corporation at Monterey Bay and participate in its “Sustainable City Year Program.” G. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2024.
H. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of November 19, 2024.
I. Approve the Special Meeting Minutes of December 2, 2024.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, second by Councilmember Freels, the Consent Agenda, items A, B, D, and E, was approved.
Page | 5 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 17, 2024) AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Item C An Ordinance of the San Juan Bautista Municipal Code Adding a Vacancy Registration Fee
Councilmember Morris-Lopez pulled the item for questions and clarification. Don Reynolds, City Manager stated that the schedule of fees will be brought forward for approval at a later date.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Elia Salinas
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, second by Councilmember Aranda, the Ordinance adding the Vacancy Registration Fee to the Municipal Code, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: Councilmember Morris-Lopez; ABSENT: None
Item F California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) Research Agreement; City Sustainable Year Program
Councilmember Freels pulled the item for questions and clarification.
Don Reynolds, City Manager, stated that the research agreement with CSUMB if for their Sustainable City Year Program. The $25,000 research agreement funding is split between funds.
One third ($8,333.33) will be paid from the Water Enterprise Fund and Two-thirds ($16,666.67) will be paid from the General Fund.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
John Hopper
Harvey Mendez
Elia Salinas
Item F California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) Research Agreement; City Sustainable Year Program failed
Items G, H, and I
Minutes for October 15, 2024, November 19, 2024, and December 2, 2024.
Mayor Jordan pulled the item.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, second by Councilmember Freels, the Consent Agenda, items G, H, and I Minutes for October 15, 2024, November 19, 2024, and December 2, 2024, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Page | 6 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 17, 2024)
10. ACTION ITEMS
A. Amendment to the San Benito County Governments (SBCOG) Joint Powers Agreement
Item was tabled to the next regular meeting.
B. Appoint Interim City Manager
The Ad Hoc committee member Councilmember Freels provided a brief overview of the selection process.
The Ad Hoc recommended that the City Council appoint Ashley Collick to serve as the Interim City Manager.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Freels, second by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, the City Council appointed Ashley Collick to serve as the Interim City Manager.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
C. City Treasurer Vacancy
Item was tabled to the next regular meeting.
D. Historic Resources Board / Planning Commission Vacancy Item was tabled to the next regular meeting.
11. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. Treasurer’s Report and Monthly Financial Statements
Item was tabled to the next regular meeting.
B. City Council Announcements
Item was tabled to the next regular meeting.
C. City Manager’s Report
a. Fire Department Update –
b. Sheriff Department Update –
c. Public Safety Department Update –
Item was tabled to the next regular meeting.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, second by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, items 10A, 10C, 10D, and item 11 Information items and Reports, was tabled to the next regular meeting in January, was approved.
Page | 7 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 17, 2024) AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
12. CLOSED SESSION – 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
a. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation – Orozco v. City of San Juan Bautista, et al. (California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)) b. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation – Kurasaki v. City of San Juan Bautista, et al. (California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)) c. Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation – (Significant exposure to litigation, California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2): Two cases.) No public comment was received.
Mayor Jordan recessed to a closed session at 7:02 p.m.
Mayor Jordan reconvened to open session at 7:37 p.m.
City Attorney Giffen reported that the City Council met in closed session and direction was given to legal counsel. No reportable action.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Councilmember Freels, second by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia.
All in favor.
There being no other business, Mayor Freels adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________
Leslie Q. Jordan, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk