Page | 1 City Council Meeting Minutes (March 17, 2026)
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL
UNOFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 17, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Jordan called the regular meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 311 Second Street, San Juan Bautista, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Freels 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:
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—Anticipated Litigation – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9(e)(2): (1 case)
b. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - California Government Code section 54957(b), City Attorney.
No public comments were received.
Mayor Jordan adjourned the meeting to closed session at 5:05 p.m., and reconvened the regular meeting at 6:05 p.m.
City Attorney Giffen reported that there was no reportable action on the closed session.
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3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Received comments from the following members of the public:
Michael Ponce commented on tourism promotion and questioned whether Permanent Local Housing Allocation funds returned to the County could instead be directed locally to assist seniors, and urged continued progress on park improvements at Lang Street/Washington Park.
Bob Castle stated that he was no longer represented by counsel and requested that any future communication regarding his property be directed to him.
Bill Adams raised concerns regarding limited visibility near 705 Second Street due to a neighboring hedge, and asked where the matter stood from an enforcement standpoint.
4. 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 for January 2026.
D. Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with MNS Engineers for City Engineer and Engineering Services
Recommendation: Approve a resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with MNS Engineers to extend City Engineer and on-call engineering services for the City of San Juan Bautista and authorizing the City Manager to execute the amendment.
E. Request for Qualifications for On-Call Environmental and Planning Consulting Services and Approve a Professional Services Agreement (Form)
Recommendation: Approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for On-call Environmental and Planning Consulting Services and approving the form of the Professional Services Agreement.
F. 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution Accepting the San Juan Bautista 2025 General Plan Annual Progress and authorizing staff to submit the report to California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
G. 2025 Annual Housing Element Progress Report
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution accepting the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR); authorizing staff to submit the report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) by April 1, 2026.
H. Street Closure for the Earth Day Celebration
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Recommendation: Approve a Resolution authorizing the closure of streets on Saturday April 25, 2026 for the Earth Day Celebration.
I. 2026 Earth Day Celebration Co-Sponsorship and Fee Waiver Recommendation: Approve a Resolution authorizing the city co-sponsorship of the 2026 Earth Day Celebration, providing in-kind services and waiving applicable City fees associated with the event.
J. Public Safety Status Report
Recommendation: Receive the Monthly Public Safety Statistics Report for February 2026.
K. Public Works and Library and Community Services Department Update Recommendation: Receive the Monthly Public Works and the Library and Community Services Report for February 2026.
L. Community Development Status Report
Recommendation: Receive the Community Development status report for February 2026.
M. Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the Meeting Minutes of December 16, 2025, January 20, 2026, February 17, and March 4, 2026.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember Freels, consent agenda Items B, C, D, E, F, G, H, K, L, and M were approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Item A. Approve the Affidavit of Posting Agenda.
A member of the public stated that the agenda posted at the post office did not appear to include all pages of the meeting agenda and expressed concern regarding the adequacy of the posting.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember Freels, the Affidavit of Posting Agenda, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: Morris-Lopez; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Item I. 2026 Earth Day Celebration Co-Sponsorship and Fee Waiver.
A member of the public stated he was not opposed to the Earth Day event itself, but questioned whether the co-sponsorship request complied with the City’s policy because the applicant was Page | 4 City Council Meeting Minutes (March 17, 2026)
not a nonprofit organization.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, the Resolution authorizing the City co-sponsorship of the 2026 Earth Day Celebration, providing in-kind services and waiving applicable City fees associated with the event, was, approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: Morris-Lopez; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Item J. Public Safety Status Report.
Item pulled by a member of the public.
Received comments from the following member of the public:
Michael Ponce asked whether law enforcement coverage could be shifted to include Sundays during the busier months, and asked how many of the reported traffic citations involved oversized-vehicle violations.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Freels, seconded by Councilmember Aranda, the Monthly Public Safety Statistics Report for February 2026 was received.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Item E.
After action on the pulled consent items, the City Council permitted late public comment on Cara Vonk noted that cultural resource and historic preservation work should be performed by qualified consultants familiar with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. No further action was taken, as Item E had already been approved as part of the consent calendar.
5. ACTION
A. Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Audit Presentation by Ryan Jolley; and Approve a Resolution Accepting the San Juan Bautista Municipal Audit for Fiscal Year 2024- 2025
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution Accepting the San Juan Bautista Municipal Audit for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Ryan Jolley presented the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 audit and reported that the city received an unqualified opinion. He reviewed the City’s governmental and enterprise fund financial statements, noted that the single audit for federal expenditures resulted in no findings, and stated that no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies were identified in internal controls or federal compliance testing. He also reported that the required communication to the City Council Page | 5 City Council Meeting Minutes (March 17, 2026)
reflected no disagreements with management, no uncorrected misstatements, and no difficulties completing the audit.
Council discussion included questions regarding utility payment collections, the meaning of doubtful accounts, and the accounting treatment of deferred inflows and deferred outflows. Mr.
Jolley explained that doubtful accounts refer to uncollectible accounts receivable, and provided additional explanation regarding deferred items related to bond issuance costs and lease receivables.
No public comments were received.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Freels, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, the resolution accepting the San Juan Bautista Municipal Audit for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
B. Acceptance of the San Juan Bautista Sanitary Sewer Force Main to Hollister Project (CIP 23.02); and Authorization to Record a Notice of Completion Recommendation: Approve a Resolution accepting the San Juan Bautista Sanitary Sewer Force Main to Hollister Project (CIP 23.02), contingent upon receipt of the engineer’s certification of final completion, and authorize the City Manager to execute and record a Notice of Completion.
Gabe Aronow of Stantec presented a project overview and timeline for the San Juan Bautista Sanitary Sewer Force Main to Hollister Project. He summarized the planning, design, and construction history; reported that substantial completion of the force main and pump station occurred in June 2025; reported that the remaining storage, pumps, and chemical feed facilities reached substantial completion in February 2026; and advised that final completion and site inspection were completed on the morning of the meeting. He reviewed the overall project budget and showed photographs of the completed force main alignment, pump station improvements, and related facilities.
The City Council asked about the possibility of a future site tour or ribbon cutting, and operational responsibility now that the project is complete. City Manager, Ashley Collick, confirmed that the city remains in close coordination with Hollister and the Regional Water Quality Control Board and is continuing work with industrial users to maintain compliance and follow through on the remaining related commitments.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce congratulated the city on reaching completion but cautioned that the city must continue addressing industrial discharges and other remaining wastewater-related obligations. He stated that the City could still face consequences if San Juan Bautista contributes to compliance issues at Hollister’s facility.
MOTION:
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Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember Freels, the resolution accepting the San Juan Bautista Sanitary Sewer Force Main to Hollister Project (CIP 23.02), contingent upon receipt of the engineer’s certification of final completion, and authorizing the City Manager to execute and record a Notice of Completion, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
C. Freeway Maintenance Agreement with Caltrans for SR-156 / Washington Street Improvements
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution approving a Freeway Maintenance Agreement between the City of San Juan Bautista and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for maintenance of irrigation, landscaping, and decorative improvements within State Route 156 right-of-way at Washington Street.
Item was tabled to the next meeting.
D. Review Request for a Fee Waiver for the Restoration and Installation of the Historic Fire Bell
Recommendation: Review the request from Monterey Viejo Chapter 1846 of the Clampers for a fee waiver for the restoration and installation of the historic San Juan Bautista Volunteer Fire Department bell and provide direction to staff.
Councilmember Freels recused himself from this item due to his membership in Monterey Viejo Chapter 1846 and his prior service as a volunteer firefighter, and left the dais during consideration of the item.
John Hopper presented the proposal to restore and reinstall the historic San Juan Bautista Volunteer Fire Department bell. He summarized the history of the bell and its earlier locations, explained that the bell has remained in City storage, and stated that Monterey Viejo Chapter 1846 had committed funding for materials together with donated labor to construct and install a historically respectful bell structure. He stated that the project could potentially be dedicated around Independence Day 2026 and explained that, while the Chapter was submitting the request, the bell itself remains City property.
Larry Norcross provided additional comments regarding the bell’s historical significance, proposed structure height and design, and the possibility of using the bell as a visible and functional historic feature for community events.
The City Council asked if the project should be treated as a city project or community-supported project, the need for planning, engineering, building, legal, and historic review, potential location options, structure height and visibility, and the long-term care of the bell. Members of the Council expressed support for the project and discussed the importance of preserving the bell’s historic character while ensuring code compliance and public safety.
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Michael Ponce supported the project but questioned the estimated cost for outside historic review, stating that much of the bell’s history is already known locally. Another speaker expressed support for the project and the volunteer effort behind it.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, the City Council approved the fee waiver request and directed staff to waive city-controlled planning, building, engineering, and legal-related fees associated with the restoration and installation of the historic San Juan Bautista Volunteer Fire Department bell, in an amount not to exceed $15,000.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; RECUSED: Freels; ABSENT: None
For the record, the organization name was clarified during the meeting as Monterey Viejo Chapter 1846.
6. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. City Manager’s Update
City Manager Ashley Collick reported on several recent and ongoing matters, including Anzar High School’s interest in partnering with the City to recognize graduating seniors; continued coordination on the water transmission pipeline design project; completion of the sewer force main project; the March 7, 2026 Coffee with the City Manager event; Legislative Advocacy Days in Sacramento on March 10 and 11, including advocacy related to Senate Bill 1081; the beginning of internal work on the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget; and active recruitment efforts for a code enforcement officer and building official.
No public comments were received.
B. Reports from City Council Representatives to Regional Organizations and Committees Councilmember Aranda reported that he attended a district update hosted by Speaker Rivas and stated that he would be meeting with Integrated Waste staff before the next meeting to receive additional information and provide a future report.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez reported on a Council of Governments meeting that again included discussion of Highway 25 and the ongoing complexity of that project, and noted an upcoming public hearing regarding unmet transit needs.
Mayor Jordan reported on several committee and regional matters, including the Speaker Rivas district update, Water Resources Association leadership changes, legislative meetings in Sacramento concerning Senate Bill 1081, ongoing LAFCO work related to municipal service reviews, and participation in the Anzar “shake” career-readiness event for students.
C. City Council and Staff Announcements
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Councilmember Aranda highlighted an upcoming Parks and Recreation Easter event.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez announced a meet-and-greet with County Clerk Recorder Francisco Diaz at The Hideaway and reminded the public of the upcoming unmet transit needs hearing.
Mayor Jordan mentioned girls’ softball beginning later in the month and announced the first annual Eggstravaganza scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Luck Park, with the egg hunt beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember MorrisLopez. All in favor.
There being no other business, Mayor Jordan adjourned the meeting at 7:44 p.m.
APPROVED:
______________________
Leslie Q. Jordan, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk