Page | 1 City Council Meeting Minutes (January 20, 2026)
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL
UNOFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 20, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Jordan called the regular meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 311 Second Street, San Juan Bautista, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia led the Pledge of Allegiance
ROLL CALL Present:
Councilmember Jose Aranda
Councilmember Scott Freels
Mayor Pro Tem EJ Sabathia.
Mayor Leslie Q. Jordan
Absent:
Councilmember Jackie Morris-Lopez
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. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - California Government Code section 54957(b), City Attorney.
No public comments received.
Mayor Jordan adjourned the meeting to closed session at 5:06 p.m., and reconvened the meeting Page | 2 City Council Meeting Minutes (January 20, 2026) at 6:01 p.m.
City Attorney Giffen reported that there was no reportable action on the closed session.
3. RECOGNITION
A. In Memoriam of Sarah Georgana Grossi Gularte (Moment of Silence) Mayor Jordan requested a moment of silence in honor of Sarah Georgana Grossi Gularte and her contributions to the City of San Juan Bautista.
4. ELECTION
A. Selection of Mayor for a One-Year Term
Councilmember Freels nominated Councilmember Sabathia to serve as Mayor.
Councilmember Sabathia nominated Councilmember Jordan to serve as Mayor. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Jordan.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Jordan, Councilmember Jordan was nominated to serve as Mayor for a one-year term.
AYES: Councilmembers Aranda, Jordan, and Sabathia. NOES: Councilmember Freels; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Councilmember Morris-Lopez;
B. Selection of Mayor Pro Tem for a One-Year Term
Councilmember Aranda nominated Councilmember Morris-Lopez to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.
Mayor Jordan nominated Councilmember Sabathia to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freels.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Freels, Councilmember Sabathia was nominated to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term.
AYES: Councilmembers Freels, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan. NOES: Councilmember Aranda; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Councilmember Morris-Lopez;
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Received comments from the following members of the public:
Todd Dubois discussed economic development and proposed a study session or ad hoc committee to address challenges with 30 acres of industrial land.
Bill Adams raised concerns about safety liability issues at his home due to restricted egress visibility caused by a hedge and urged the Council to address the violation.
Eddie Sanchez IV questioned the decision-making process for the mayoral election and Page | 3 City Council Meeting Minutes (January 20, 2026) consistency in governing decisions.
6. PUBLIC HEARING
A. General Plan Amendment (REF2025-001) 2023-2031 Housing Element 6th Cycle Update (State-Required General Plan Element Update – No Project Approval or Zoning Changes)
Planning Manager Ariel Goodspeed presented the 2023-2031 Housing Element 6th Cycle Update, a state-mandated component of the City’s General Plan. The update serves as the City’s primary housing policy document and includes a housing needs analysis, a review of constraints to housing, an inventory of housing sites, and a housing plan with goals, policies, and implementation programs.
The update aims to meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 88 units across all income levels, with 24 identified parcels spanning 17.45 acres and a capacity for approximately 156 units. The plan emphasizes preserving existing housing stock, increasing housing supply, removing governmental constraints, advancing fair housing opportunities, and ensuring accountability through implementation tracking. Ariel highlighted the importance of community involvement, including public workshops, surveys, and bilingual outreach, to shape the housing element.
Additionally, updates to zoning and the sphere of influence map were recommended, including correcting Site 11’s zoning to high-density residential (R3). The housing element update is exempt from CEQA as it is a policy-level document, and once adopted, it will be submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for certification.
Mayor Jordan opened the public hearing
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce raised concerns about zoning clarifications for lot 11 Cara Vonk expressed concern about proposed amendments to ordinances and general plans particularly regarding staff level project approvals.
Mayor Jordan closed the public hearing
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Aranda, Approve a Resolution, approving the General Plan Amendment to update the Housing Element of the San Juan Bautista General Plan for the 2023–2031 (6th Cycle) planning period; determine that the Housing Element Update is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as a policy-level planning document that relies on prior environmental review; confirm that a duly noticed public hearing has been conducted and all public testimony has been considered; and direct staff to submit the adopted Housing Element and Resolution to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for final certification.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; Page | 4 City Council Meeting Minutes (January 20, 2026) ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Morris-Lopez
7. CONSENT
A. Approve the Affidavit of Posting Agenda
B. Waive Reading of Resolutions and Ordinances on the Agenda Beyond Title C. Street Closure for the 2026 Arts & Crafts Festival and the 2026 Great San Juan Bautista Rib Cook-Off
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution Authorizing staff to temporary close Third Street (Franklin to Muckelemi) and the cross streets between Second and Fourth (Washington, Mariposa, and Polk) for the 2026 Arts & Craft Festival (March 27–29, 2026; closure hours: Friday 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and the 2026 Great San Juan Bautista Rib Cook-Off (street closure commencing Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. for event set-up, with event dates May 8–10, 2026), as depicted in Exhibit A and Exhibit B.
D. Treasurer’s Report and Monthly Financial Statements
Recommendation: Accept the financial report for November 2025.
E. Proclamation Policy
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution Adopting the City of San Juan Bautista Proclamation Policy and Proclamation Request Form.
F. Authorize The City Manager to Issue a Request for Proposals for Professional Certified Public Accountant (CPA Advisory Services, and Approve a Professional Services Agreement (Form).
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Professional Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Advisory Services and approving the form of the Professional Services Agreement.
G. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 16, 2025.
No public comments were received.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Freels, the Consent agenda items A, B, D, E, F, and G, were approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Councilmember Morris-Lopez
Item C. Street Closure for the 2026 Arts & Crafts Festival and the 2026 Great San Juan Bautista Rib Cook-Off
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Jordan, seconded by Councilmember Aranda, the Resolution Page | 5 City Council Meeting Minutes (January 20, 2026) Authorizing the Closure of Streets for the 2026 Arts and Crafts Festival and the Rib Cook-off, starting on Friday at 5:00 p.m. and ending on Sunday at 10:00 p.m., was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Councilmember Morris-Lopez
8. ACTION ITEMS
A. Third Street Stripping Options Between Franklin and Muckelemi Street Recommendation: Receive presentation for restriping Third Street between Franklin Street and Muckelemi Street; and direct staff to a) return with additional information for consideration; b) Select an option (A, B, or C) to be further developed, including Council comments and direction; or c) provide other direction as deemed appropriate by the Council
City Engineer Doug Pike presented three potential striping options for 3rd Street between Franklin and Muckelemi Streets as part of an interim project ahead of a comprehensive master planning effort.
The options included: Option A, maintaining the current one-way street with parallel parking (72 parking spaces); Option B, reverting to a two-way street with parallel parking (also 72 parking spaces); and Option C, a one-way street with diagonal parking, which would add 9 parking spaces for a total of 81.
The proposed interim project would include remedial repairs such as pothole fixes, crack sealing, a rejuvenation oil application to improve the street’s appearance, new pavement striping, and updated signage. Doug emphasized that the interim striping would allow the city to evaluate real-world operations and community feedback while supporting the ongoing master planning process. City Engineer Pike also discussed the possibility of adding bulb-outs for traffic calming and shortening pedestrian crossing distances, as well as ensuring ADA compliance with gray tactile mats. The presentation aimed to gather Council feedback and direction on the preferred striping option, with the goal of balancing functionality, aesthetics, and historic preservation.
Councilmember Aranda raised questions about how the proposal aligns with downtown revitalization and economic development goals. He emphasized the importance of engaging local businesses and emergency services to understand their priorities and inputs. He also expressed concerns about whether a one-way street would help or hinder downtown economic activity.
Additionally, he suggested keeping gray ADA tactile pads and white striping to preserve the historic nature of the downtown district.
Councilmember Freels expressed concerns about the width of the proposed one-way street with parallel parking, noting that an 11-foot lane might feel tight for larger vehicles like fire engines.
He questioned the standards for crosswalk designs and suggested avoiding excessive fog lines to maintain the historic aesthetic of the downtown area. He also raised concerns about spending money on interim striping when the master plan would likely require significant upgrades later.
Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia stated he did not have strong feelings about one-way versus two-way traffic but appreciated the idea of increasing parking spaces downtown. He emphasized the Page | 6 City Council Meeting Minutes (January 20, 2026) importance of community engagement to ensure the striping plan aligns with public preferences and avoids excessive paint that could detract from the historic aesthetic.
Mayor Jordan supported keeping 3rd Street as a one-way street with a 5-mph speed limit, as it allows drivers to enjoy the small-town feel and observe businesses and pedestrians. She emphasized minimizing signage and maintaining the historic flair of the city. She also supported gray tactile pads and single-line crosswalks to reduce visual clutter while ensuring ADA compliance.
The Council expressed a preference for preserving the historic aesthetic of the downtown area while balancing functionality and safety. They leaned toward keeping 3rd Street as a one-way street and discussed the pros and cons of diagonal versus parallel parking, with some members favoring diagonal parking to increase the number of spaces. They also emphasized the importance of minimizing visual clutter, reducing liability, and ensuring ADA compliance.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Emily Renzel recommended parallel parking, gray tactile mats, and no high-visibility crosswalks.
Carl Vonk suggested no parking hash marks, no fog lines, no high-visibility crosswalks, and gray tactile mats.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Jordan, seconded by Councilmember Freels, approved option C (oneway street with diagonal parking), straight-line crosswalks, gray tactile mats, and no fog lines AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Councilmember Morris-Lopez
B. Mayor’s Selection of Representatives to Committees, Regional Boards, Etc.
Recommendation: Consider making changes to the Committee Assignments based on the discretion of the Mayor.
Mayor Jordan reviewed the appointments for representatives to various committees, regional boards, and organizations.
Intergovernmental Committee: Mayor Jordan and Councilmember Morris-Lopez were assigned as primary representatives, with Councilmember Aranda appointed as the alternate.
CMAP (Community Media Access Partnership): City Clerk Soto, was assigned as the staff representative, as per CMAP bylaws.
Water Resources Association: Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia was appointed as the primary representative, with Councilmember Aranda as the alternate.
AMBAG (Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments): Councilmember Freels was confirmed as the primary representative, with Mayor Jordan as the alternate.
Page | 7 City Council Meeting Minutes (January 20, 2026) Sheriff Committee: Councilmember Freels and Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia were appointed as primary representatives, with Mayor Jordan as the alternate.
Cannabis Investment Committee: Councilmember Freels and Mayor Jordan were confirmed as primary representatives, with Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia as the alternate.
Fire Committee: No changes were confirmed, but the meeting time was noted to be in the afternoon.
San Benito County Economic Advisory Committee: Mayor Jordan is the primary representative, and Councilmember Morris-Lopez is the alternate (to be confirmed).
Tourism Committee: Mayor Jordan is the primary representative, and the alternate is to be determined.
Area Agency on Aging: Councilmember Freels is the primary representative, and Councilmember Aranda was appointed as the alternate (to be confirmed).
Public Safety Ad Hoc Committee: The Council noted that there are three vacancies on this committee, including two Planning Commission seats and one public member seat, which need to be filled.
Major Jordan emphasized the importance of ensuring alternates are available to attend meetings if the primary representative cannot, and encouraged Council members to communicate with their alternates or herself if they are unable to attend. The finalized list of appointments will be distributed to all relevant jurisdictions.
No public comments.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Aranda, the Spirit of San Juan Bautista's request to waive city-controlled encroachment-related fees for the installation of the commemorative bench was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
9. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. City Manager’s Report
City Manager Ashley Collick provided a verbal report and reiterated that the city is working on several long-term projects and emphasized the importance of strategic planning and budgeting to ensure the city’s fiscal sustainability.
Councilmember Aranda expressed concerns about the city’s long-term fiscal sustainability, Page | 8 City Council Meeting Minutes (January 20, 2026) particularly regarding the costs of projects like the sewer main, fire department operations, fire truck purchase, personnel, and litigation. He emphasized the need to prioritize long-term financial planning and sustainability.
Councilmember Freels appreciated the focus on strategic planning and budgeting and supported the City Manager’s approach.
The City Manager assured the Council that the strategic planning and budgeting process would address these concerns and provide a clear roadmap for the city’s financial future.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
a. Public Safety Department Update
Assistant to the City Manager Roy Morales provided an update on law enforcement, fire department, and Public Works for December 2025.
No public comments.
.
b. Community Development Department Update
Planning Manager Arielle Goodspeed provided the update for Building, Planning, Code Enforcement and ongoing projects for December 2025.
No public comments.
B. Reports from City Council Representatives to Regional Organizations and Committees Councilmembers Aranda, Freels, and Mayor Jordan provided an update on the meetings they attended.
C. City Council and Staff Announcements
Councilmember Aranda announced the following events in February.
Sweetheart Scavenger Hunt: Scheduled for February 14.
Speed Dating Event: Hosted at The Hideaway on February 13, from 6 PM to 9 PM.
Hearts and Kisses Valentine's Fun Fest: Lovers Celebration at Vertigo.
Inaka Fusion Valentine's Day Dinner: Hosting a special Valentine's Day dinner.
Native Daughters Valentine's Day Dinner and Dance: To be held at the Community Center.
Upcoming Mixers:
San Benito County Green Business Mixer: Scheduled for January 18 at 5:30 PM at the San Benito County Arts Council.
San Benito County Business Council New Year Social Open House: Scheduled for January 20 at San Juan Oaks.
Councilmember Freels announced that the Native Daughters Valentine's Day Dinner and Dance will be held at the Community Center, featuring the same band as last year.
Page | 9 City Council Meeting Minutes (January 20, 2026) Councilmember Freels raised concerns about the Christmas lights and decorations still being up.
Requested that the lights on the poles be removed to save electricity.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Councilmember Freels, seconded by Mayor Por Tem Sabathia.
All in favor.
There being no other business, Mayor Jordan adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
APPROVED:
______________________
Leslie Q. Jordan, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk