Page | 1 City Council Meeting Minutes (October 21, 2025)
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL
UNOFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Jordan called the regular meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 311 Second Street, San Juan Bautista, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Morris-Lopez led the Pledge of Allegiance ROLL CALL Present:
Councilmember Jose Aranda – arrived at 5:36 p.m.
Councilmember Scott Freels
Councilmember Jackie Morris-Lopez
Mayor Pro Tem EJ Sabathia. – arrived at 6:38 p.m.
Mayor Leslie Q. Jordan
Absent:
Staff Present:
Ashley Collick, City Manager
Jon R Giffen, City Attorney
Roy Morales, Assistant to the City Manager
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk
2. 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—Pending Litigation – Dawson et al v. City of San Juan Bautista (California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)) c. 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 Regional Water Quality Control Board and an additional matter with facts and circumstances that might result in litigation, which are not yet known to a potential plaintiff.)
No public comments received.
Page | 2 City Council Meeting Minutes (October 21, 2025) The Mayor adjourned the meeting to closed session at 5:03: p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 6:22 p.m.
City Attorney Giffen reported that direction was given to the City Council, but there was no action was taken in closed session.
3. PROCLAMATION
The City Council proclaimed:
A. National Philanthropy Day, November 6, 2025
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comments were received.
5. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Introduce an Ordinance Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Building Codes with Amendments
Minnie Arredondo, Building Official, presented proposes an ordinance to update the city's Municipal Code by repealing and replacing Section 10-1-110 to adopt the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code. The updated codes, which include regulations for building, electrical, plumbing, energy, and other standards, were approved by the California Building Standards Commission and will become effective statewide on January 1, 2026. The ordinance aims to ensure the city's code aligns with state regulations, avoids confusion, and facilitates accurate enforcement.
Mayor Jordan opened the public hearing.
No public comments were received.
Mayor Jordan closed the public hearing.
B. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 5-1 of the City of San Juan Bautista Municipal Code to Adopt the 2025 Edition of the Fire Code and Appendices of Title 24, Part 9 in its entirety with Certain Exceptions, Modifications and Additions, and Approving Findings to Support Local Modifications.
Charlie Bedolla, Fire Marshall, presented the ordinance to amend Chapter 5-1, Article 1 of the Municipal Code to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code, including its appendices, with specific local modifications based on climatic, geological, and topographical conditions. The ordinance aims to enhance fire safety by implementing stricter building standards than those in the state code. The ordinance will amend sections 5-1-100 and 5-1-105, repeal sections 5-1-150 through 5-1-170, and adopt the 2025 California Fire Code by reference.
The significance of the 2025 Edition Fire Code lies in its ability to provide updated standards for Page | 3 City Council Meeting Minutes (October 21, 2025) fire prevention and protection. Local agencies, such as the City of San Juan Bautista, can adopt this code and make amendments tailored to their specific climatic, geological, and topographical conditions. These local modifications allow for stricter standards to address unique risks in the area, further improving safety and minimizing fire-related losses.
The adoption of this code ensures compliance with state building standards while allowing flexibility for local needs. It represents a proactive approach to fire safety and environmental protection.
Mayor Jordan opened the public hearing.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Cara Vonk asked for clarification on the fire code requirements for ADUs, particularly regarding fire sprinklers and setbacks. She expressed concern about the potential need for sprinklers in all buildings, regardless of size.
Fire Marshal Bedolla explained that ADUs follow state regulations. If the main residence has sprinklers, the ADU must also have sprinklers. If the main residence does not have sprinklers, the ADU does not require sprinklers unless it exceeds 1,200 square feet. He also clarified that buildings over 500 square feet require sprinklers unless they are 100 feet away from other structures or property lines.
Mayor Jordan closed the public hearing.
6. CONSENT
A. Approve the Affidavit of Posting Agenda
B. Waive Reading of Resolutions and Ordinances on the Agenda Beyond Title C. Treasurer’s Report and Monthly Financial Statements
Recommendation: Accept the financial report.
D. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2025.
E. Approve the Special Meeting Minutes of October 3, 2025.
No public comments were received.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Freels, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, the Consent agenda items A-E, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Page | 4 City Council Meeting Minutes (October 21, 2025)
7. ACTION ITEMS
A. San Benito Urban Area Water Supply and Treatment Agreement and Authorization to Proceed with Regional Treated Water Implementation The City Manager presented the San Benito Urban Area Water Supply and Treatment Agreement, highlighting the city's partnership with the San Benito County Water District, Hollister, and Sunny Slope County Water District. The agreement secures 8% of the West Hills Treatment Plant's capacity for San Juan Bautista, ensuring high-quality treated surface water to address excessive groundwater salinity and improve drinking water quality. The agreement includes shared water quality objectives, a 30-year term (or until all capital costs are recovered), and provisions for collaboration among the participating agencies. Fiscal impacts were discussed, including the cost of the buy-in and the AROP (Advanced Drought Resiliency Project) fee, which is estimated to cost residents $3.33 per month on average. The City Manager emphasized that most costs are already accounted for in the city's prior rate study.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce raised concerns about hidden fees in the agreement, specifically regarding the cost components listed in Exhibit C. Dmitri Simonoff clarified that the $3.33 monthly fee is solely for the AROP project and that other costs are already covered in the city's prior rate study.
Bob Quaid asked about the blending process for water and how the city will ensure high-quality water. The City Manager committed to providing a detailed response to this technical question MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Freels, a resolution authorizing the Mayor of the City of San Juan Bautista to execute the San Benito Urban Area Water Supply and Treatment Agreement and implement related actions in coordination with San Benito County Water District and participating agencies, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
B. Historic Resources Board / Planning Commission Vacancy City Clerk Elizabeth Soto presented the report noting a vacancy on the Planning Commission due to the resignation of Iraida Pisano during the October 7, 2025 meeting.
The council discussed whether to reopen applications or review prior candidates. The council decided to reappoint the previously established ad hoc committee (Mayor Jordan and Mayor Prom Sabathia) to review prior applications and provide a recommendation to the council. If prior candidates decline, the application process will be reopened.
No public comments were received.
The council discussed whether to reopen applications or review prior candidates. The council decided to reappoint the previously established ad hoc committee (Mayor Jordan and Mayor Page | 5 City Council Meeting Minutes (October 21, 2025) Prom Sabathia) to review prior applications and provide a recommendation to the council. If prior candidates decline, the application process will be reopened.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Freels, moved to reappoint the ad hoc committee, comprised of Mayor Jordan and Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, to review prior applications and provide a recommendation, with the addition that the application process will be reopened if prior candidates decline, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Freels, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: Councilmembers:
Aranda and Morris-Lopez; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. City Manager’s Report
Ashley Collick, City Manager, presented the report. The City Manager’s report highlights several key challenges and proposed solutions aimed at improving infrastructure, compliance, community engagement, and organizational development in San Juan Bautista. Regulatory compliance remains a priority, with ongoing negotiations to establish reasonable chloride limits and ensure wastewater compliance. The city is advancing Phase 2 of the Wastewater Treatment Plant project, which includes decommissioning the existing plant and implementing facility upgrades. Additionally, agreements with industrial wastewater users are being finalized to address shared commitments.
Economic development and community revitalization are also key focus areas. Efforts are underway to revitalize 3rd Street businesses and explore funding opportunities through the Main Street program. The City is supporting local events and nonprofits by creating policies to alleviate permit fee burdens and planning community activities like Dia De Los Muertos and the Holiday Lights Parade. Public safety challenges, including fire district feasibility and animal control agreements, are being addressed through feasibility studies and the reestablishment of the Public Safety Subcommittee.
To strengthen organizational capacity, the City has hired new staff, implemented a purchaseorder system for fiscal transparency, and is exploring ways to enhance staff benefits and retention. Collaboration with San Jose State University students is helping modernize systems, including inventory tracking and the City’s website. With these initiatives, San Juan Bautista is positioned to continue improving service delivery and achieving long-term strategic goals.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce asked where the policy for co-sponsoring special events could be viewed. The City Manager provided the policy.
Cara Vonk offered to assist with the website improvement project, citing difficulties navigating the current site.
Page | 6 City Council Meeting Minutes (October 21, 2025) a. Public Safety Department Update
Assistant to the City Manager Roy Morales provided an update on law enforcement and fire department activities, code enforcement updates, and ongoing projects for September 2025.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Bob Quaid asked if the sheriff reviewed Flock camera footage for a theft incident involving Miata hardtops.
b. Fire Department Update
Assistant to the City Manager Roy Morales provided the update. c. Sheriff Department Update
Assistant to the City Manager Roy Morales provided the update.
B. Reports from City Council Representatives to Regional Organizations and Committees Councilmembers Aranda, Morris-Lopez, and Mayor Jordan provided an update on the meetings they attended.
C. City Council and Staff Announcements
Councilmember Aranda encouraged everyone to attend the upcoming Día de los Muertos event and announced that El Teatro Campesino will celebrate its 60th anniversary on November 1, 2025, which coincides with Día de los Muertos.
Councilmember Freels announced that Native Daughters Parlor in San Juan Bautista is taking over the downtown barrels and has planted new succulents and plants donated by Lowe’s.
Councilmember Freels further highlighted VFW activities.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez encouraged everyone to attend the Día de los Muertos event.
Gave a shoutout to Golden Wheel Antiques and its owner, Anthony Carranaggio, for being in business for 63 years. Suggested the city consider recognizing his contributions to the community. Councilmember Morris-Lopez praised the collaboration between the city, mission, state park, and community organizations for upcoming events, noting the renewed community spirit.
Mayor Jordan congratulated the Hollister Fire Department on its 150th anniversary and thanked them for their service and encouraged everyone to attend the Día de los Muertos event.
Wished El Teatro Campesino a happy 60th anniversary.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Mayor Por Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Morris-Lopez. All in favor.
There being no other business, Mayor Jordan adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m.
Page | 7 City Council Meeting Minutes (October 21, 2025) APPROVED:
______________________
Leslie Q. Jordan, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk