Page | 1 City Council Meeting Minutes (May 19, 2026)
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL
UNOFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 19, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Jordan called the regular meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 311 Second Street, San Juan Bautista, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted.
ROLL CALL Present:
Councilmember Scott Freels
Councilmember Jackie Morris-Lopez
Mayor Pro Tem EJ Sabathia
Mayor Leslie Q. Jordan
Absent:
Councilmember Jose Aranda
Staff Present:
Ashley Collick, City Manager
Jon R. Giffen, City Attorney
Victor Tafoya, Associate Planner
Also present:
Roy Morales, Assistant to the City Manager
Arielle Goodspeed, Planning Manager
2. CLOSED SESSION – 5:30 P.M. – 6:12 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 reconvened the regular meeting at 6:12 p.m.
City Attorney Giffen reported there was no reportable action.
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Mayor Jordan called for a moment of silence in recognition of the passing of Karen Freels, the mother of Councilmember Scott Freels.
3. PROCLAMATION / COMMENDATION
A. Proclamation Recognizing and Thanking the Donald R. Clausen Trust for its Generous Donation to the San Juan Bautista Library
The City Council presented a proclamation recognizing the Donald R. Clausen Trust and thanking it for its generous donation to the San Juan Bautista Library.
B. Historical Preservation Month, May 2026, and Historical Preservation Awards:
Private: 39 Washington Street / Public: VFW Post #6359, 58 Monterey Street The City Council recognized 39 Washington Street for the preservation of a Queen Anne cottage constructed in 1906, and VFW Post #6359 at 58 Monterey Street for stewardship of an important community landmark.
The City of San Juan Bautista proclaimed:
C. Public Works Week, May 17-23, 2026
D. Older Americans Month, May 2026
E. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, May 2026 F. LGBTQ+ Pride Month, June 2026
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Bill Adams commented on traffic visibility and safety concerns related to a hedge and fence on Second Street.
Linda Jin commented on downtown street fairs and requested operations and greater City oversight or a different promoter.
5. PUBLIC HEARING
At the request of Mayor Jordan, the City Council heard Item 5B before Item 5A.
A. Weed Abatement
Charlie Bedolla, Deputy Fire Marshal, presented the item and stated that letters had been sent following the first meeting. He reported that many properties had since been cleaned up, some had regrowth, and a few remained unresolved. He stated that, after Council action, the City could begin the abatement process for properties that had not been addressed, while continuing to work with property owners and code enforcement where appropriate.
Mayor Jordan opened the public hearing.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Chris Mortarana commented on a property included on the weed abatement list.
Michael Ponce commented regarding vegetation management and City-owned properties.
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Mayor Jordan closed the public hearing.
Deputy Fire Marshal Bedolla clarified that the weed abatement program focuses on empty lots for abatement and liens, but that fire staff can also work with code enforcement and send courtesy letters for overgrown occupied properties when appropriate.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Freels, the resolution declaring the condition of certain properties to constitute a public nuisance and ordering the abatement of weeds thereon was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Aranda
B. Approve a Resolution Updating the Master Fee Schedule for City Services City Manager Ashley Collick stated that many City fees had not been meaningfully updated for more than a decade while the cost of providing services continued to increase. She explained that the fee study was intended to improve long-term fiscal sustainability, transparency, operational stability, and legal compliance, and to reduce pressure on the General Fund.
Kushboo Ingle of Matrix Consulting Group presented the fee study. She explained the purpose of fee studies, the distinction between services with broad public benefit and those with highly individualized private benefit, and the methodology for calculating full-cost recovery. The presentation covered time estimates, fully burdened hourly rates, overhead, legal limits on fees, comparative information from other agencies, a proposed annual escalator, and a recommended reevaluation cycle of approximately five to seven years. She said the study reviewed more than 200 fee line items and modernized fees for engineering, planning, building, recreation, special events, vacancy registration, and other City services.
Mayor Jordan raised questions about implementing the proposed fee schedule, the proposed annual adjustment provision, vacancy registration fees, appeals, and the potential impact of fee increases on residents and businesses. She supported additional public review before adoption.
Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia discussed the City's ability to establish fees below full cost recovery where appropriate and raised questions regarding development-related and permit fees. He expressed interest in providing additional opportunities for public review before adopting the fee schedule.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez raised questions regarding affordability, community access to City services, and the potential impact of fee increases on residents and local organizations. She supported additional public reviews of the proposed fees prior to adoption.
Councilmember Freels raised questions regarding facility rental fees, nonprofit use of City facilities, recreation-related fees, and other proposed fee increases. He discussed balancing cost recovery with community benefit considerations.
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Mayor Jordan opened the public hearing.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Chris Mortarana stated that the packet appeared to include full-cost recovery amounts without fully addressing policy decisions regarding subsidies or community benefit. He requested a public workshop, raised questions about tree permit requirements, dog tags, garage sale permits, annual utility encroachment permits, and investigation fees, and questioned whether the Council could approve the resolution that evening because he did not see the fee schedule attached to the resolution in the binder.
Cara Vonk raised concerns regarding the proposed fees for historic resource review, administrative historic review, Planning Commission review, appeals, tree removal, and Community Hall use. She said high fees could discourage compliance and burden owners of historic properties.
Michael Ponce requested an additional public meeting so the community could review and comment on the more than 200 proposed fees. He questioned the consultant cost, the proposed CPI adjustment language, and the increase to the yard sale permit fee.
Mayor Jordan closed the public hearing.
The City Council directed staff to bring the fee schedule back for additional public review on May 26, 2026, with final approval anticipated for June 16, 2026.
C. An Ordinance of the City of San Juan Bautista Amending Title 11 Zoning of the Municipal Code to add Chapter 11-16 Mobile Food Truck Vending Ordinance (Tabled to June 16, 2026)
The item was continued until the June 16, 2026, meeting.
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 for March 2026.
D. November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION ordering an election, requesting the San Benito County Elections Department to conduct the election, and requesting consolidation of the November 3, 2026, election.
E. Valle Vista Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District Recommendation: 1.) Approve A RESOLUTION of the City Council of The City Of San Juan Bautista Ordering Preparation of An Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2026-27 For Valle Vista Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 1
2.) Approve A RESOLUTION of the City Council of The City Of San Juan Page | 5 City Council Meeting Minutes (May 19, 2026)
Bautista Declaring Its Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments Within Valle Vista Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 For Fiscal Year 2026-27 And Setting the Time and Place for A Hearing on Said Assessment
3.) Receive and consider the attached draft Assessment Report to be the subject of final acceptance at the Public Hearing.
4.) Approve A RESOLUTION Of the City Council of The City Of San Juan Bautista Ratifying the Report Prepared in Connection with The Fiscal Year 2026-27 Levy of Assessments in Connection with Valle Vista Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 1
F. Community Facilities District No. 2018-01
Recommendation: 1.) Approve A RESOLUTION of the City Council of The City of San Juan Bautista Ordering Preparation of An Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2026- 27 For Community Facilities District No. 2018-01
2.) Approve A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City Of San Juan Bautista Declaring its Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments Within Community Facilities District No. 2018-01 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Setting the Time and Place for a Hearing on Said Assessment
3.) Receive and consider the attached draft Engineer’s Report to be the subject of final acceptance at the Public Hearing.
4.) Approve A RESOLUTION of The City Council of The City of San Juan Bautista Ratifying the Report Prepared in Connection with the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Levy of Assessments in Connection with Community Facilities District No. 2018-01 For Fiscal Year 2026-27
G. Authorize the City Manager to Reissue a Request for Proposals for Professional Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Advisory Services
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to reissue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Professional Services Accountant (CPA) Advisory Services.
H. Street Closure for Los Padrinos Annual Car Show event on June 27, 2026 Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION authorizing the closure of streets on Saturday, June 27, 2026, for the Los Padrinos Annual Car Show.
I. Department Updates
Recommendation: Receive an update on Public Safety, Public Works, Recreation, Library, and Community Development for April 2026.
J. Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 21, 2026.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, consent agenda Items A-H and J were approved.
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AYES: Councilmembers: Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Aranda
Item I. Department Updates.
Assistant to the City Manager Roy Morales briefly summarized the public safety statistics report.
Planning Manager Arielle Goodspeed briefly summarized the Community Development Department activities for April 2026 and announced the upcoming meetings.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce pulled item I and asked about the recreation and whether the Abbey Park Sports Group Use Procedure was an existing City procedure or a proposed procedure being developed.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Freels, the Department Updates were received.
AYES: Councilmembers: Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Aranda
7. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. City Manager's Report
There is no information to report.
B. Reports from City Council Representatives to Regional Organizations and Committees Mayor Jordan reported that she attended a fire protection advisory committee meeting regarding a possible fire district. She said Baker Tilly is the consultant for the effort, that several committee members recently responded to information requests, and that Baker Tilly is compiling information for a future report.
C. City Council and Staff Announcements
Councilmember Morris-Lopez announced an upcoming Council of Governments meeting scheduled for Thursday at 4:00 p.m. and encouraged members of the public to participate. She raised concerns about traffic safety on State Route 156 near Mission Vineyard Road, including vehicle speeds, turning movements, and the potential for accidents, and urged continued attention from Caltrans and regional representatives.
Mayor Jordan announced the Rainbow Run on Saturday, June 6, 2026; the Los Padrinos Annual Car Show on Saturday, June 27, 2026; and San Juan Day on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Morris-Lopez.
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There being no other business, Mayor Jordan adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m.
APPROVED:
______________________
Leslie Q. Jordan, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk