Page | 1 City Council Meeting Minutes (April 15, 2025)
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL
UNOFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 15, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Jordan called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 311 Second Street, San Juan Bautista, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Aranda led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL Present:
Councilmember Jose Aranda
Councilmember Scott Freels
Councilmember Jackie Morris-Lopez
Mayor Leslie Q. Jordan
Absent:
Mayor Pro Tem EJ Sabathia
Staff Present:
Ashley Collick, Interim City Manager
Jon R Giffen, City Attorney
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk
Also Present:
Roy Morales, Public Safety Coordinator
2. CLOSED SESSION 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Receive public communication from the audience on Closed Session items. The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to:
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—Anticipated Litigation – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9(e)(2):
(Enforcement Action by State Water Resources Control Board and an additional matter with facts and circumstances that might result in litigation, which are not yet known to a potential plaintiff.)
Mayor Jordan recessed to closed session at 5:03 p.m.
Mayor Jordan reconvened the meeting at 6:04 p.m.
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City Attorney Giffen reported that the City Council met in closed session and noted that there was no reportable action.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public commented made by the following members of the public:
Michael Ponce
Bob Quaid
Linda Quinn
David Rodriguez
Shawna Freels
4. PROCLAMATION
The City of San Juan Bautista proclaimed:
A. Water Awareness Month, May 2025 – Water Resources Association of San Benito County
B. National Preservation Month, May 2025
5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
A. Treasurer’s Report and Monthly Financial Statements
Wendy Cumming, CPA, presented the financial report for the period ending February 2025.
General fund revenues at 65% and expenditures at 60% for the fiscal year. Positive changes in fund balances: General Fund ($213,000), Water Enterprise Fund ($695,000), Sewer Enterprise Fund ($684,000).
No public comments were received.
6. CONSENT
A. Approve the Affidavit of Posting Agenda
B. Waive Reading of Resolutions and Ordinances on the Agenda Beyond Title C. Approve a Resolution Authorizing Closure of Streets for Special Events.
D. Consider Resolution Declaring the Condition of Certain Properties to Constitute a Public Nuisance and Ordering the Abatement of Weeds Thereon, and Noticing a Hearing for the Receipt of Objections to the Proposed Abatement Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION Declaring the Condition of Certain Properties to Constitute a Public Nuisance and Ordering the Abatement of Weeds Thereon, and Noticing a Hearing for the Receipt of Objections to the Proposed Abatement.
E. Partnering with Enterprise Fleet Management for Immediate Vehicle Needs as Well as Long Term Sustainability for Capital and Operating Budget Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION Authorizing the City Manager to Page | 3 City Council Meeting Minutes (April 15, 2025)
execute a Master Equity Lease Agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management, and to acquire seven (7) vehicle leases.
F. Approval of Engineering Memo – Fence Modification at 701 Seconded Street Recommendation: Review and approve the engineering memorandum prepared by Resolution No. 2025-02).
G. Draft Memorandum of Understanding Between the County of San Benito and the City of San Juan Bautista.
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION Approving the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County of San Benito and the City of San Juan Bautista regarding development within the city’s planning area, and forward it to the San Benito County Board of Supervisors for review and approval.
H. Permit the Use of Safe and Sane Fireworks Within the City, and Authorize Anzar High School Booster Club to Sell Safe and Sane Fireworks for the Fourth of July Holiday.
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION Authorizing Non-Profit Organization Anzar High School Booster Club to Sell Safe and Sane Fireworks for the Fourth of July Holiday; and Permit the Use of Safe and Sane Fireworks Within the City, Only Between Noon and 10:00 p.m., on July 4, 2025.
I. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 18, 2025.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, the consent calendar items A, B, D, G, and I, were approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Councilmember Sabathia
Item No. C. Approve a Resolution Authorizing Closure of Streets for Special Events.
The City Manager clarified that the Rib Cook-Off Street closure had already been approved by the council for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The promoter was requesting an additional closure on Thursday evening at 5:00 PM to allow for setup before the event's Friday start time. The City Manager acknowledged that this request was not included in the original approval and was being presented now for consideration.
The City Manager also noted that the city would incur costs for staff to close the road at the requested time and emphasized that the council had the discretion to change the timing or deny the Thursday evening closure request.
Councilmember Freels stated that he supported the earlier resolution, which specified that the street closure would begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday.
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Public comment was made by the following member of the public:
Linda Ginn
Michael Ponce
David Rodriguez
There was a consensus from the City Council to reject the request to close streets on Thursday evening for setup. The City Council approved road closure starting Friday morning at 5:00 AM for the Rib Cook-Off event, in order to minimize the impact on local businesses and residents while still allowing adequate time for event setup.
MOTION:
Upon motion by councilmember Freels, seconded by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, a Resolution Authorizing the Closure of Streets for the Rib Cook to begin at 5:00 am on Friday, April 26, 2025, was approved as amended.
AYES: Councilmembers: Freels, Morris-Lopez, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN:
Councilmember Aranda; ABSENT: Councilmember Sabathia
Item No. E. Partnering with Enterprise Fleet Management for Immediate Vehicle Needs as Well as Long Term Sustainability for Capital and Operating Budget MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, Approved a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Master Equity Lease Agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management, and to acquire seven (7) vehicle leases, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Councilmember Sabathia
Item No. F. Approval of Engineering Memo – Fence Modification at 701 Seconded Street MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Aranda, Approving the engineering memorandum prepared by Resolution No. 2025-02), was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN:
Councilmember Freels; ABSENT: Councilmember Sabathia
Item No. H. Permit the Use of Safe and Sane Fireworks Within the City, and Authorize Anzar High School Booster Club to Sell Safe and Sane Fireworks for the Fourth of July Holiday.
Councilmember Aranda expressed concern about the timing of the fireworks sales and the activity in the shopping center after businesses close. He suggested limiting the sales to 9:00 PM Page | 5 City Council Meeting Minutes (April 15, 2025)
instead of later to avoid random traffic and potential issues in the area.
There was a consensus of the City Council to authorizing the Anzar High School Booster Club to sell safe and sane fireworks on July 4, 2025, with the following conditions:
Sales allowed until 9:00 p.m.
Use of fireworks permitted until 10:00 p.m. on the Fourth of July No public comments were received.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember Freels, Approve a Resolution Authorizing Non-Profit Organization Anzar High School Booster Club to Sell Safe and Sane Fireworks for the Fourth of July Holiday; and Permit the Use of Safe and Sane Fireworks Within the City, Only Between Noon and 9:00 p.m., on July 4, 2025, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Councilmember Sabathia
Mayor Jordan recessed to a short break at 7:34 p.m. and reconvened at 7:42 p.m.
7. DISCUSSION
A. Discussion on the Feasibility of a Pilot Community Fund Program City Manager Ashley Collick and Recreation Coordinator Caitlin Brady provided the report.
The Community Fund Program proposed by the City of San Juan Bautista aims to provide smallscale financial support to local nonprofits and community organizations for projects and services that benefit residents. The program seeks to increase civic participation, enhance public spaces, and expand access to inclusive, community-driven activities. Funding awards are recommended to range between $2,500 and $5,000, with an option for microgrants under $1,000. The program will involve structured processes for application, review, award determination, project implementation, and reporting, with oversight by city staff and the City Council.
Councilmember Aranda supported the microgrant concept to allow broader community access to funds.
Councilmember Freels emphasized the need for transparency, requiring audited financials, proof of solvency, and limiting eligibility to entities with meaningful service to San Juan Bautista residents.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez encouraged defining community benefit clearly and raised the idea of using some funds for children’s programming, such as recreational events or supplies.
Mayor Jordan reiterated the importance of partnership-based grants that fill service gaps the City cannot address on its own.
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The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce expressed support for using the fund to assist groups which struggle with costly fundraising barriers like permitting and insurance. He noted these programs provide essential youth and community services.
Shawna Freels, Rozas House Organization, explained how past City grant funding helped establish the San Juan Bautista Historic Walking Trail, and advocated for the City to continue offering upfront funding rather than solely reimbursement-based support. She also urged the City to act soon so remaining FY 2024–25 funds aren’t forfeited.
8. ACTION ITEMS
A. Hollister Fire Services Agreement No. 1
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution and its attached proposed Amendment No. 1 to the Hollister Fire Services Agreement
City Manager Ashley Collick provided the report. The Hollister City Council approved a contract amendment on October 15, 2024, with a $150,000 upfront payment increasing the FY 24/25 budget to $468,000. The annual contract cost is $418,000, escalating 11% annually through June 2028. A $1.25 million one-time payment is due on May 9, 2025, to offset negotiation costs, with a 270-day mutual termination clause included.
Explore Alternative Options:
Consider issuing an RFP to secure fire protection and emergency medical services for San Juan Bautista. Explore partnerships with San Benito County or other agencies.
Investigate working with CalFire or other regional fire service providers.
Support Fire District Feasibility Study:
The City Manager recommended continuing with the fire district feasibility study being developed by the Fire Advisory Committee in partnership with Baker Tilly.
City Manager Collick stated that the proposed costs were unsustainable for San Juan Bautista and could not be recommended for approval. The upfront payment of $1.25 million and the annual escalators were deemed too high for the city's budget.
City Manager Collick recommended resubmitting the previously negotiated terms from March 2025, which included: $150,000 upfront payment; annual contract cost of $418,000 with an 11% escalator; minimum two-person response; staffing levels set at Hollister's discretion.
Councilmember Aranda expressed concern about the high costs in Hollister's revised proposal (Option E), particularly the $1.25 million upfront payment and escalating annual costs.
Felt the city was being backed into a corner with limited time to respond to the proposal.
Supported rejecting Hollister's revised proposal and countering with the original terms negotiated in March 2025. Councilmember Aranda acknowledged the importance of maintaining fire services and stated that having a fire station, even with a minimum two-person response, was better than losing fire protection entirely. He supported exploring alternative options, including partnerships with San Benito County, CalFire, or other nearby cities like Gilroy or Morgan Hill.
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Councilmember Freels agreed with Councilmember Aranda's position to reject Hollister's revised proposal and counter with the original terms. He supported moving forward with the fire district feasibility study and exploring all available options for fire protection services.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez highlighted the importance of the original contract offer, which was more in line with what the city could afford. Clarified that the minimum two-person response meant that there could occasionally be a third firefighter, but at least two personnel would always be available. Rejected Hollister's revised proposal, citing its unsustainability for the city's budget. Supported the original terms negotiated in March 2025 and emphasized the need for collaboration with San Benito County. Councilmember Morris-Lopez expressed concern about the financial challenges facing all jurisdictions and stressed the importance of finding a solution that works for San Juan Bautista.
Mayor Jordan provided context on the April 11th meeting with San Benito County, where productive discussions were held with county supervisors and staff regarding fire services.
Emphasized the importance of collaboration between San Juan Bautista and San Benito County in addressing fire protection needs. Mayor Jordan supported rejecting Hollister's revised proposal and countering with the original terms. She highlighted the need to explore alternative options, including partnerships and the fire district feasibility study, to ensure fire protection services for the city.
The council unanimously agreed to:
Reject Hollister's revised proposal (Option E).
Counter with the original terms negotiated in March 2025. Move forward with the fire district feasibility study. Explore alternative options for fire protection services, including partnerships with San Benito County, CalFire, or other agencies.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Freels, seconded by Mayor Jordan, rejected the Amended Contract and requested the two City of San Juan Bautista Ad Hoc members to negotiate with the Fire Chief to come up with any future proposed amendments.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Councilmember Sabathia
9. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. City Manager’s Report
Interim City Manager Ashley Collick presented the report. The Interim City Manager announced that there will be an in-service training scheduled for April 19, 2025, which includes staff development initiatives and team meetings.
No public comments were received.
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a. Fire Department Update –
The presentation was provided by Public Safety Coordinator Roy Morales as part of his report.
No public comments were received.
b. Sheriff Department Update –
The presentation was provided by Public Safety Coordinator Roy Morales as part of his report.
No public comments were received.
c. Public Safety Department Update –
Roy Morales, Public Safety Coordinator reported on the Sheriff's Office, Fire Department, and Code Enforcement Department activity for February 2025. The Request for Proposals (RFP) was approved by all bodies. Mr. Morales reported that there was an increase in traffic citations and code enforcement cases. The Flock camera system capturing over 235,000 vehicles for public safety.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce
d. Recreation Department Update
Recreation Coordinator Caitlin Brady reported on the Junior Giants registration, Porch Sounds music series, and community cleanups. The Recreation Department will focus on building traditions and partnerships with local organizations.
B. Reports from City Council Representatives to Regional Organizations and Committees
The City Council reported on the Regional meetings they attended.
C. City Council Announcements
Hollister Earth Day event on April 19th.
Green Foothills presentation at Luna Gallery on April 19th
10. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember Freels.
All in favor.
There being no other business, Mayor Jordan adjourned the meeting at 9:54 p.m.
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APPROVED:
_____________________
Leslie Q. Jordan, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk