Page | 1 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 16, 2025)
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL
UNOFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 16, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Jordan called the regular meeting to order at 5:05 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
Councilmember Scott Freels
Councilmember Jackie Morris-Lopez
Mayor Pro Tem EJ Sabathia.
Mayor Leslie Q. Jordan - Via teleconference
Absent:
Staff Present:
Ashley Collick, City Manager
Jon R Giffen, City Attorney
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk
Also present:
Roy Morales, Assistant to the City Manager
Arielle Goodspeed, Planning Manager
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—Anticipated Litigation - California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2), regarding significant exposure to litigation (two cases). 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 (December 16, 2025) Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia adjourned the meeting to closed session at 5:05 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 6:09 p.m.
City Attorney Giffen reported that there was no reportable action on the closed session.
3. ELECTION
A. Selection of Mayor for a One-Year Term
B. Selection of Mayor Pro Tem for a One-Year Term
Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia requested that the item be tabled to ensure all City Council members could be present in person.
Item tabled for the next meeting.
4. PROCLAMATION
The City Council recognized:
A. Golden Wheel, 63rd Anniversary
The Cornaggia family was recognized for their contributions to the city’s history and economy.
B. Sarah Morris Griss
Ms. Morris Griss was honored for her service, leadership, and commitment to the community.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Received comments from the following members of the public:
Bill Adams raised concerns about pedestrian safety and enforcement of Council Resolution 2025-02.
Jill Pagaran provided updates on the Community Foundation for San Benito County Cassandra Kartashov introduced herself as the Chief Executive Officer for the Community Foundation for San Benito County
Mark Masa expressed concerns about city management and the challenges of running a business in San Juan Bautista.
6. PRESENTATION
A. Sheriff’s Department Year-End Report
The item was tabled.
7. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Bhullar/Dalla/SJB Alameda Enterprises Development Agreement Recommendation: Hold a Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of an Ordinance Approving a Development Agreement Between SJB Alameda Enterprise, LLC, and the City of San Juan Bautista for The Alameda Gas Station Project.
Arielle Goodspeed, Planning Manager, provided an in-depth overview of the development agreement, including project history, approval conditions, and financial obligations. The proposed Development Agreement pertains to the approved Alameda Gas Station Project, Page | 3 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 16, 2025) located at 0 The Alameda, a 1.12-acre undeveloped commercial site south of Highway 156. The project includes a gas station canopy with seven pump stations, a convenience store, lease space, parking, EV charging stations, and related site improvements. The Planning Commission approved the project in May 2024 through a Site Plan and Design Review, a Conditional Use Permit, a Sign Program, and the adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration with conditions.
The Development Agreement is required by Condition of Approval No. 12 and authorized under State law and the San Juan Bautista Municipal Code. It formalizes and implements previously approved entitlements, vests development rights, clarifies procedural requirements, and establishes the project’s term, annual review, and enforcement provisions. A key component requires the developer to fund the construction of a right-turn lane on eastbound Highway 156 at The Alameda. Under a 2022 amendment to a prior reimbursement agreement, the developer must pay 100 percent of the right-turn lane costs upfront, with the City reimbursing any amount exceeding the project’s fair share over time through traffic fees and, if necessary, future sales tax revenue.
The Planning Commission reviewed the draft Development Agreement on December 2, 2025, and offered recommendations on pedestrian safety and community character. The applicant has opposed adding new obligations beyond those already required under the existing reimbursement agreement. Because Caltrans has jurisdiction over Highway 156, certain pedestrian improvements are limited by state regulations. Staff has made minor clarifying edits to the Agreement, ordinance, and findings that do not alter the approved project. Staff recommends adopting the ordinance authorizing the Development Agreement and determining that the Agreement is not a project under CEQA and is statutorily exempt from further environmental review.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Dr. Dalla expressed gratitude for the city’s efforts, confirmed the project's commitment, and suggested a visitor center kiosk.
Michael Ponce raised concerns about the city’s financial obligations for the right-turn lane construction.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Freels, seconded by Mayor Jordan, to adopt an Ordinance approving the development agreement between SJB Enterprises and the City of San Juan Bautista, including replacing Exhibit D site plans, and additional edits as presented to the ordinance and findings, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
Councilmember Aranda; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
City Council determined that the rights granted to the property owner under this agreement do not constitute a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, because the agreement does not involve any physical changes to the site or any amendments to the City’s land use policies, standards, or ordinances.
The Council further determined that the agreement is statutorily exempt from additional CEQA Page | 4 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 16, 2025) review pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21083.3(b), as it eliminates the need for duplicative environmental analysis previously conducted during the City’s General Plan review.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember Freels, the City Council determine that of rights granted to the owner under this agreement does not constitute a project under CEQA Public Records Code 21065 because the agreement does not propose any physical alteration to the project or any change to the land use policy, standards, or ordinance of the City, and further determine the agreement is statutorily exempt from the additional CEQA compliance under public resources code, 21083.3(b) which eliminates duplicative environmental analysis previously conducted during the City's General Plan Review.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
Councilmember: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
8. CONSENT
A. Approve the Affidavit of Posting Agenda
B. Waive Reading of Resolutions and Ordinances on the Agenda Beyond Title C. Authorizing the Street Closure for the Annual Rotary Mission 10 Race on January 31, 2026.
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution Authorizing Street Closures for the Annual Rotary Mission 10 race on January 31, 2026.
D. Treasurer’s Report and Monthly Financial Statements
Recommendation: Accept the financial report for October 2025.
E. Authorizing the City Manager to sign and file a Financial Assistance Application with the State Water Resources Control Board for the City’s Water Transmission Pipeline Design Project
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Sign and File a Financial Assistance Application with the State Water Resources Control Board for the City’s Drinking Water Pipeline Design Project F. Stantec Consulting Professional Services Agreement Amendment No. 03 Recommendation: Approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 03 to the Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services for construction support services for the San Juan Bautista to Hollister Sanitary Sewer Force Main Project, in the amount of $135,000.
G. Holiday Parade of Lights Co-Sponsorship
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the City’s partnership with the Holiday Parade of Lights, with support limited to in-kind contributions, permit fee reductions, and staff promotion within available capacity.
Page | 5 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 16, 2025) H. 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.
I. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of November 18, 2025.
No public comments were received.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember Freels, the Consent agenda items A, B, D, F, G, H, and I, were approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Item C. Authorizing the Closure of Streets for Certain Special Events in 2025 and 2026 The City Council approved street closures for the Holiday of Lights Parade on December 6, 2025, and tabled the Mission 10K event for the December meeting.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Jordan, seconded by Councilmember Aranda, the Resolution Authorizing the Closure of Streets for the Holiday Parade of Lights on December 6, 2025, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Item E. Authorizing the City Manager to sign and file a Financial Assistance Application with the State Water Resources Control Board for the City’s Water Transmission Pipeline Design Project
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Jordan, seconded by Councilmember Freels, the Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Sign and File a Financial Assistance Application with the State Water Resources Control Board for the City’s Drinking Water Pipeline Design Project 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 16, 2025)
9. ACTION ITEMS
A. Replacement of Fire Engine 14 Replacement of Fire Engine 14 Recommendation: Receive the staff report, discuss the current condition and replacement needs for Fire Engine 14, and provide direction to staff as appropriate regarding future planning and procurement options.
Hollister Fire Chief Jonathan Goulding provided a detailed report on the need for a new fire engine, highlighting the age and reliability issues of the current engine.
Councilmember Aranda expressed support for purchasing a new fire engine and raised concerns about the current engine, which is 21 years old and not fully functional, posing a safety issue for the city and surrounding areas, including the canyon.
Councilmember Freels supported the purchase of a new engine and noted that only a few fire engine manufacturers remain following industry consolidation, making the purchase more critical.
Mayor Jordan praised the presentation and supported purchasing a new engine rather than a used one to avoid inheriting someone else's problems. Mayor Jordan emphasized the importance of ensuring San Juan Bautista is always protected with a Type 1 engine.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez asked about the required deposit for the chassis and the timeline for discounts and expressed support for purchasing a new engine, and appreciated the financing flexibility.
Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia highlighted the cost difference between a new and a used engine, noting that the price of a used engine remains high and that financing options for used engines are limited. Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia supported purchasing a new engine due to the warranty and reliability it offers compared to a used engine.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce raised concerns about the cost of the new fire engine and asked whether the city had budgeted for the purchase and whether funds were available.
Eddie Huaracha asked about the total cost of the fire engine, including interest over the financing period, and requested clarification on the engine's final cost after accounting for interest.
Elise Bretnall expressed concern about the high cost of the new fire engine, particularly given the other expenses the city faces, and questioned whether it would make sense to consider purchasing a newer used fire engine from a department that rotates its equipment more frequently.
The City Council recommended adopting a resolution to authorize the City Manager to initiate the purchase of a new Type 1 Rosenbauer fire engine and negotiate the associated financing terms. The final financing terms would be returned to the City Council for formal approval.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Freels, seconded by Councilmember Aranda, the Resolution authorizing the City Manager to initiate the purchase of a new Type 1 Rosenbauer fire engine. negotiate the associated financing terms, the final financing terms would be returned to the City Page | 7 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 16, 2025) Council for formal approval.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
B. Historic Preservation Ordinance Subcommittee Appointment Recommendation: Approve a resolution establishing the Historic Preservation Ordinance Subcommittee, appointing one member of the City Council to serve on the subcommittee, and appointing Cara Vonk, representing the San Juan Bautista Historical Society, to serve as the Member at Large.
Planning Manager Arielle Goodspeed provided an update on the Historic Preservation Ordinance and the formation of a subcommittee to assist with its update. The ordinance update, initiated by the City Council in November, aims to strengthen historic preservation efforts, address community priorities, and improve the ordinance’s clarity and effectiveness.
A three-member subcommittee was proposed, consisting of one City Council member, one Planning Commissioner, and one member at large from the community. The San Juan Bautista Historical Society nominated Cara Vonk as the member at large, while the Planning Commission recommended Commissioner Martorana as their representative.
The subcommittee will review historic resources, identify preservation priorities, and collaborate with Rincon Consultants to ensure the ordinance aligns with state guidelines and community needs. The first meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 2026, with the ordinance update expected to be completed by summer 2026. Rincon Consultants will use $15,000 from their current contract and $15,000 from their next fiscal year contract to fund the update.
The City Council discussed the subcommittee’s composition and meeting logistics, ultimately voted to establish the subcommittee, and appointed Councilmember Sabathia, Commissioner Martorana, and Cara Vonk as its members.
The City Council ultimately voted to:
Establish the Historic Preservation Ordinance Subcommittee consisting of one City Council member, one Planning Commissioner, and one member at large.
Appoint Councilmember Sabathia as the City Council representative.
Appoint Commissioner Martorana as the Planning Commission representative.
Appoint Cara Vonk as the member at large.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember Freels, a Resolution establishing the Historic Preservation Ordinance Subcommittee, consisting of one City Council member, one Planning Commissioner, and one member at large from the community, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: Morris-Lopez; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Page | 8 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 16, 2025)
10. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. City Manager’s Report
City Manager Ashley Collick provided a year-end summary of key initiatives, accomplishments, and areas of focus for the City of San Juan Bautista in 2025. The report highlighted the city's progress in strengthening internal operations, improving communication, and advancing initiatives to support residents, local businesses, and the city's long-term stability. The city has gained recognition for its service-centered governance model through regional and professional collaborations.
Key achievements included infrastructure improvements along 3rd Street to enhance walkability, signage, and streetscape elements while preserving the historic character of downtown. The city welcomed new businesses, including Mission Market, The Hideaway, and Coyote Call, thereby contributing to downtown vitality. Community events like Dia de los Muertos were successful in fostering cultural expression and community connection.
Infrastructure projects focused on sustainability and reliability, including progress on the water transmission pipeline project and the force main project, which involves decommissioning the wastewater treatment plant and connecting to Hollister's regional wastewater treatment facility.
The city also worked on regulatory compliance and agreements with industrial partners.
The creation of the Community Development Department was a major milestone, with new staff members improving planning and permitting services, reducing turnaround times, and decreasing reliance on consultants. Other operational improvements included City Hall renovations, implementation of a purchase order system, and updates to internal policies.
Looking ahead to 2026, the city will focus on maintaining reliable infrastructure, supporting local businesses, strengthening public safety partnerships, preserving agricultural lands and historic character, and expanding in-house service capacity. The City Manager expressed gratitude for the Council's support and extended holiday wishes to the community.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce requested that the City Manager's slides and comments, which were read during the meeting, be included in the meeting packet, similar to the reports from the law enforcement, fire, public works, and library departments. He noted that this would allow the public to review the information without having to wait for the meeting video to be released. a. Public Safety Department Update
Assistant to the City Manager Roy Morales provided an update on law enforcement and fire department activities for November 2025.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce raised concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed signage for oversized trucks on the San Juan Highway.
b. Community Development Department Update
Planning Manager Arielle Goodspeed provided an update on Building, Planning, Code enforcement, and ongoing projects for November 2025.
Page | 9 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 16, 2025) The following members of the public commented on the report:
Cara Vonk asked about the status of the San Benito Health Foundation.
Fran Fitzharris expressed excitement about the permitting process being brought in-house.
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
The City Council announcements included the following:
Councilmember Freels announced the Annual Valentine's Dinner Dance Fundraiser hosted by the Native Daughters of the Golden West. The event will take place on Saturday, February 14th, 2026, at the Community Hall from 5 PM to 10 PM. The event will feature dinner, a silent auction, and live music. Tickets go on sale starting December 20th, 2025.
Councilmember Aranda encouraged the community to check out El Teatro Campesino's Pastorela, which he attended for the first time and described as a beautiful show.
Councilmember Aranda mentioned the grand opening of Inaka Fusion and Coyote Call, and encouraged residents to visit and support those businesses. Councilmember Aranda thanked city staff and Public Works for organizing the Christmas Parade, which he described as one of the biggest and most amazing events.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember MorrisLopez. All in favor.
There being no other business, Mayor Po Tem Sabathia adjourned the meeting at 10:01 p.m.
APPROVED:
______________________
Leslie Q. Jordan, Mayor
Page | 10 City Council Meeting Minutes (December 16, 2025) ATTEST:
______________________
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk