Page | 1 City Council Meeting Minutes (April 21, 2026)
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL
UNOFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 21, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Jordan called the regular meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 311 Second Street, San Juan Bautista, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Jordan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Present:
Councilmember Jose Aranda
Councilmember Scott Freels
Councilmember Jackie Morris-Lopez – arrived at 6:04 p.m.
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 - 5:31 P.M. - 6:04 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. Conference with Legal Counsel--Existing Litigation - Orozco v. City of San Juan Bautista et al. (California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)) No public comments were received.
Mayor Jordan adjourned the meeting to closed session at 5:33 p.m., and reconvened the regular meeting at 6:04 p.m.
City Attorney Giffen reported that there was no reportable action on the closed session.
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Mayor Jordan requested a moment of silence in memory of long-standing community members, including Larry Kane and Paulo Juarez, and the City Council expressed condolences to their families.
3. INTRODUCTION
A. Dan Paolini, Building Official
B. B. Luis Salazar, Code Enforcement
City Manager Collick introduced Dan Paolini, the City's new Building Official, and Luis Salazar, the City's Code Enforcement. Mr. Paolini stated that he was recently hired as Building Official and looked forward to continuing to serve the City. Mr. Salazar thanked the City Hall team and Public Works staff and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to continue serving the City in his new role.
4. PRESENTATION
A. Water Awareness, Lundi Barroso-Osorio, Water Conservation Program Manager Lundi Barroso-Osorio, Water Conservation Program Manager for the Water Resources Association of San Benito County, presented information regarding Water Awareness Month and local water conservation programs. The presentation included available rebates and services, including turf removal rebates, free toilet replacement for qualifying older toilets, water softener removal rebates, water softener exchange service rebates, and free home water surveys and leak checks.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez asked whether City of San Juan Bautista water customers qualify for the water softener removal program. Ms. Barroso-Osorio confirmed that City of San Juan Bautista water customers qualify for the program and explained the pre-inspection and postinspection process.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce asked how many water softener rebates had been issued in San Juan Bautista. Ms.
Barroso-Osorio stated that the program had water softener removals in other service areas, but no San Juan Bautista water softener removal rebates had been completed at that time.
5. PROCLAMATION
The City of San Juan Bautista proclaimed:
A. Water Awareness Month, May 2026 - Water Resources Association of San Benito County
B. Earth Day, April 22, 2026
C. National Library Week, April 19-25, 2026
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6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Received comments from the following members of the public:
Graciela Nutter asked about the business license fee for the farmers market, and asked for support for arts and community activities.
Bill Adams raised concerns regarding visibility and pedestrian safety near 705 Second Street due to a neighboring hedge and fence, and requested a permanent solution that restores a clear line of sight and consistent enforcement of the municipal code.
Mark Mason commented on the success of the recent Arts and Crafts Fair weekend and encouraged the city to consider additional events that support local businesses.
Michael Ponce, representing the San Juan Bautista Service Club, announced downtown cleanup efforts, before the Rib Cook-Off, and monthly cleanups on the third Saturday of each month. He requested City assistance with advertising the cleanups and posting flyers.
7. 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. 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.
F. Street Closure for the Rotary Rainbow Run, June 6, 2026 Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION authorizing temporary street closures on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for the Rotary Rainbow Run.
I. Approval of Drainage and Maintenance Agreement for 45 Washington Street Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Drainage and Maintenance Agreement with the property owner for stormwater treatment facilities located at 45 Washington Street.
J. Assistant to the City Manager Department Update
Recommendation: Receive an update on the Public Safety, Public Works, Recreation, and Library Departments for March 2026.
K. Community Development Department Update
Recommendation: Receive an update on the Community Development Department for March 2026.
L. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 17, 2026 MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Freels, consent agenda Items A, B, C, D, F, I, J, K, and L were approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
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Item E. Award of Contract for The Alameda/Hwy 156 Right-Hand Turn Lane Retaining Wall Project.
Comments were received from the following members of the public:
Michael Ponce questioned why the bid amount was higher than the project estimate and asked who was serving as the acting City Engineer. In response, Gaby Mak explained that construction estimates may vary from bid pricing due to current market conditions, mobilization, insurance, and other construction costs, and confirmed that the City received two bids through the bid process.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Freels, the Resolution awarding the contract to F. Loduca Co for The Alameda/Hwy 156 Right-Hand Turn Lane Retaining Wall Project, in the amount of $41,041.00, approving a project contingency fund of $4,104.00, and authorizing the City Manager to approve potential contract change orders and other construction contingencies within said fund, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Item G. 2026 Rotary Rainbow Run Co-Sponsorship and Fee Waiver.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez asked for clarification regarding the meaning of City cosponsorship, in-kind services, fee waivers, and the related budget impact. City Manager Collick stated that the costs were identified in the staff report and that the City could bring the cosponsorship policy back for Council review as part of a broader budget and policy discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia also requested future discussion regarding a cap for co-sponsorship and fee waivers and raised safety concerns from the prior year regarding unmanned barricades during the event.
Jessie O'Malley Solis, representing the Rotary Rainbow Run, stated that volunteers were placed at major intersections during the prior event, that approximately 40 to 50 volunteers participated, and that the event organizers could staff requested barricade locations if barricades are placed.
Council discussion focused on volunteer coverage at intersections and the need to avoid a repeat of the prior year's barricade and volunteer coordination issues. Ms. O’Malley Solis stated that unexpected post-event billing last year would have significantly affected event proceeds and that the organizers hoped to remain fiscally neutral so funds could support the Esperanza Center and other community agencies.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Mayor Jordan, the Resolution authorizing the City to co-sponsor the 2026 Rotary Rainbow Run, provide in-kind services, and waive applicable City fees associated with the event, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
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Item 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.
Public comment:
Chris Martorana requested that the city not permit fireworks due to impacts on pets and asked about the scale of the Anzar High School Booster Club fundraiser. Amanda Romero, Anzar High School Booster Club President, stated that the fireworks fundraiser generally raises approximately $8,000 to $10,000 for students and helps support athletics, uniforms, field trips, clubs, scholarships, graduation gowns, yearbooks, and other student needs.
Mayor Jordan clarified that the item addressed both the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks.
Staff clarified that the agenda recommendation included a typographical error stating 10:00 p.m., while the staff report and resolution stated that use would be allowed only between noon and 9:00 p.m. on July 4, 2026, and only on private property with the owner's prior permission.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Freels, seconded by Councilmember Aranda, the Resolution permitting the use of safe and sane fireworks within the City only between noon and 9:00 p.m. on July 4, 2026, and only on private property for which the owner has given prior permission, and authorizing the Anzar High School Booster Club to sell approved fireworks within the City for the Fourth of July holiday, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
8. ACTION ITEMS
A. Industrial Facility Investigations and Wastewater Source Control Program Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION Accepting the Industrial Facility Investigations Memorandum and implement ongoing industrial monitoring and reporting measures in support of wastewater compliance requirements.
Kari Wagner of Wallace Group, with Olivia Williams, presented the Industrial Facility Investigations Memorandum. The presentation reviewed the purpose of the investigation, which was to evaluate whether industrial facilities had the potential to discharge process wastewater to the City's sewer collection and conveyance system in connection with the City's wastewater compliance requirements and agreement with the City of Hollister.
The presentation summarized the December 10 inspections of True Leaf Farms, Koch Farms, and Taylor Farms. Wallace Group reported that each facility's process wastewater is directed to dedicated treatment systems, that no diversion valves capable of redirecting process wastewater to the City's domestic wastewater system were observed, and that Taylor Farms had previously discharged to the city system in 2018 with City permission due to heavy rains, but the prior discharge piping has since been disconnected and blind flanges installed.
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Wallace Group recommended quarterly reporting of domestic and process wastewater flow meter totals, quarterly zero-discharge certifications for process wastewater systems, installation of composite samplers if intermittent illicit discharges are suspected, further investigation of domestic lift station operations, and collection of source water quality data. Council discussion included questions regarding domestic wastewater quality, source water, lift station holding times, planned inspections, potential testing responsibility, and future industrial user agreements.
Michael Ponce commented regarding Hollister's standards, salts in process water, testing of domestic wastewater, the prior Taylor Farms discharge, and the timing of the blind flanges.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, the Resolution accepting the Industrial Facility Investigation Memorandum and implementing ongoing industrial monitoring and reporting measures in support of wastewater compliance requirements, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
B. Wastewater Salinity Management and Source Control Strategy Update Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION accepting the Collection System Salt Study and implement recommended salinity source control measures, including industrial pretreatment coordination, water softener compliance efforts, and continued monitoring.
Beth Reineke and Jordyn Arreola of BKF presented the Collection System Salt Study and reviewed wastewater salinity issues related to total dissolved solids, chloride, and sodium. The presentation noted that the City's applicable limits under the Hollister permit are lower than prior limits, including lower limits for total dissolved solids, chloride, and sodium, and identified potential contributors such as source water, residential water softeners, domestic wastewater, and industrial flows.
Council discussion focused on the level of assumptions in the study, the need to understand the percentage of wastewater flow attributable to industrial users, water softener impacts, source water quality, data anomalies, and whether the report should be accepted before additional information is confirmed.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce commented that the city remains subject to stricter Hollister limits, asked about salts and source control, and raised concerns regarding the City's ability to meet the applicable discharge requirements.
The item was continued.
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Staff was directed to work with BKF to respond to the remaining questions and return with firmer data and a more complete basis for Council consideration.
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 City Engineer Jerry Sanguinetti presented the proposed Freeway Maintenance Agreement between the City and Caltrans for the SR-156/Washington Street improvements. He reported that the Clean California program invested approximately $963,000 in beautification improvements, including landscaping, irrigation, slope treatments, fencing, and public art, and explained that Caltrans requires the city to assume long-term maintenance for non-standard improvements located within State right-of-way.
Council discussion included questions regarding the limits of the maintenance obligation, whether the City's responsibility is limited to the Washington Street undercrossing area, the annual estimated maintenance cost of approximately $10,000 to $15,000, mural maintenance through the San Benito Arts Council, and potential future lighting and cameras. Staff clarified that the agreement was needed to continue moving forward with Caltrans permitting for the SR156 right-hand turn lane project and that the City's maintenance responsibility related to the improvements at Washington Street.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce questioned whether the agreement and exhibits clearly limited the City's maintenance responsibility to the Washington Street bridge area and expressed concern regarding potential responsibility for the broader SR-156 corridor.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Aranda, the Resolution approving a Freeway Maintenance Agreement between the City of San Juan Bautista and Caltrans for maintenance of irrigation, landscaping, and decorative improvements within State Route 156 right-of-way at Washington Street, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: Freels; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
A. Informational Presentation on Comprehensive User Fee Study and Potential Fee Schedule Updates
Recommendation: Receive the presentation and provide policy direction to staff for preparation of a proposed fee schedule to be considered by the City Council in May 2026.
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Kushboo Ingle of Matrix Consulting Group presented an informational overview of the Comprehensive User Fee Study and potential fee schedule updates. The presentation explained that user fee studies identify the full cost of providing services, help ensure legal compliance with applicable California law, and establish the maximum justifiable fee amount while leaving policy decisions regarding cost recovery to the City Council.
The presentation reviewed the study methodology, including staff time estimates, fully burdened staff rates, direct and indirect costs, comparison to other jurisdictions, and consolidation of fees into a master fee schedule. Matrix reported that more than 200 fee line items were reviewed and that new or updated fee schedules were prepared for areas including engineering, planning, building, recreation, special events, and rentals. The presentation also recommended annual fee escalation and a broader re-evaluation approximately every five to seven years.
Council discussion included questions and comments regarding phased implementation, communication with residents and businesses, small business and affordability concerns, current versus proposed fees, recreation and rental fee policy, building and planning fees, sign permits, business licenses, code enforcement and nuisance-related charges, legal and hearing costs, and the need for a clear public process before Council considers adopting a new fee schedule.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce asked why a plumbing permit fee for water softeners appeared in the draft schedule if water softeners are no longer allowed in the city.
The City Council requested workshop or town hall-style discussion. City Manager Collick responded that a date would be determined after coordinating consultant availability.
B. Fourth of July 2026 Public Safety Strategy
Recommendation: Review and receive the report on the Fourth of July 2026 Public Safety Plan and provide direction.
Assistant to the City Manager Roy Morales presented the Fourth of July 2026 Public Safety Strategy. He reported that, due to limited Sheriff's Office staffing and emergency staffing constraints, the City would take a public education and social media campaign approach rather than the prior enforcement-heavy approach. He stated that the City would not rent surveillance camera trailers or use private security to issue citations, and that staff would instead coordinate public outreach with Recreation staff and the Fire Marshal. He also stated that Fire Department personnel would be staffed locally and that residents should call 911 in the event of an emergency.
Council discussion included support for not renting unmonitored camera trailers, clarification that the rented surveillance trailers were separate from the City's Flock cameras, concerns regarding limited Sheriff's Office staffing, CHP availability during the Hollister event and regional traffic impacts, illegal fireworks, fire risk, the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the biker rally, and the national 250th anniversary celebration. Mayor Jordan requested that the city participate in regional planning discussions related to the biker rally and begin public information outreach early.
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No public comments were received.
10. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. Reports from City Council Representatives to Regional Organizations and Committees Councilmember Aranda reported that the AMBAG meeting was cancelled because there were no items to report, and stated that he would provide an Integrated Waste report at the next meeting.
Councilmember Freels reported on a Baker Tilly interview related to the fire protection feasibility study and future fire protection services in the County.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez reported on the Council of Governments meeting, including direction to Caltrans to continue studying a conventional four-lane highway option for Highway 25, and stated that she raised concerns regarding SR-156 speeds, the roundabout, The Alameda signal, and the Mission Vineyard Road turn lane.
Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia reported on the local Sphere of Influence and Urban Growth Boundary meeting, including discussion of the General Plan Infill Amendment Study, concise implementation documents, and clarification of historic register and inventory materials.
Mayor Jordan reported on Baker Tilly fire advisory interviews, Tourism Committee wayfinding and branding, Water Resources Association programs, the Eggstravaganza event, the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, and LAFCO municipal service reviews.
B. City Council and Staff Announcements
Councilmember Aranda announced upcoming community events, including Earth Day, the farmers market, Bingo for Boomsticks, the Rib Cook-Off, and the Rotary Garden.
Councilmember Freels stated that the Kane family thanked the City Council for the moment of silence in memory of Larry Kane, and noted that he may miss a future June meeting due to work with a baseball team.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez had no announcements. Mayor Jordan highlighted youth baseball and girls softball activity at the ballpark, including Headhunters Baseball and Aftershock girls softball.
11. 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 9:41 p.m.
Page | 10 City Council Meeting Minutes (April 21, 2026) APPROVED:
______________________
Leslie Q. Jordan, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk