Page | 1 City Council Meeting Minutes (June 16, 2026)
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL
UNOFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 16, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Jordan called the special meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 311 Second Street, San Juan Bautista, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Aranda led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Present:
Councilmember Jose Aranda
Councilmember Jackie Morris-Lopez
Mayor Pro Tem EJ Sabathia.
Mayor Leslie Q. Jordan
Absent:
Councilmember Scott Freels
Staff Present:
Ashley Collick, City Manager
Jon R Giffen, City Attorney
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk
Also present:
Arielle Goodspeed, Planning Manager
Jerry Sanguinetti, Engineer
2. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Valle Vista Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2026-27
Jerry Sanguinetti, City Engineer, presented the annual levy of assessments for the Valle Vista Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 1. He reviewed the proposed assessment rates, reserve balances, and district finances, noting that the proposed assessments reflected the allowable CPI adjustment and would maintain current service levels while supporting long-term financial sustainability.
Mayor Jordan opened the public hearing.
No comments were received.
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Mayor Jordan closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Aranda disclosed for the record that he resides within the affected community but stated that he did not have a financial interest or material financial benefit requiring recusal under applicable FPPC regulations.
The motion was amended during consideration to include both resolutions.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, the resolution approving 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; and the resolution confirming a diagram and assessment in connection with the Fiscal Year 2026-27 levy of assessments in connection with Valle Vista Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 1, was approved as amended.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Freels
B. Community Facilities District No. 2018-1 ("Copperleaf" and "Rancho Vista" Neighborhoods) Annual Levy
City Engineer Jerry Sanguinetti provided the report. The annual tax levy for Community Facilities District No. 2018-01 in San Juan Bautista funds the maintenance of public improvements such as landscaping, lighting, streets, and sidewalks in the Copperleaf (Zone 1) and Rancho Vista (Zone 2) neighborhoods. For fiscal year 2026/27, the maximum allowable tax per parcel is $1,085 for Copperleaf and $1,385 for Rancho Vista, but the actual proposed levies are $731 and $872 per parcel, respectively. These amounts match the budgeted maintenance costs for each zone, with anticipated revenues covering all expenses and contributing to reserve balances. The tax rates are adjusted annually based on the greater of 2% or the local Consumer Price Index, which is 3.8% for this year. The levy ensures each neighborhood pays only for its own maintenance needs, and it has no impact on the City’s General Fund as long as the special taxes collected are sufficient to cover annual costs.
Mayor Jordan opened the public hearing.
No public comments were received.
Mayor Jordan closed the public hearing.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, the resolution levying the annual special tax for Community Facilities District No. 2018-01 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; Page | 3 City Council Meeting Minutes (June 16, 2026)
ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Freels
C. Master Fee Schedule for City Services
City Manager Ashley Collick presented the updated Master Fee Schedule and stated that the item followed prior review at the April 21 informational presentation, the May 19 public hearing, and the May 26 study session. She explained that staff had evaluated Council and public input and made limited revisions, primarily reducing the Community Hall rental fee for local nonprofit organizations to zero. She said the fee schedule is intended to improve cost recovery, modernize outdated fees, establish fees for services that had not been codified, and provide a transparent, consistent framework for City services.
Council discussion included questions regarding whether nonprofit applicants must provide documentation and be in good standing, how to distinguish City nonprofits from countywide nonprofits, resident and nonresident Community Hall rental rates, and whether future policy direction should be brought back for county nonprofits that serve City residents. During discussion, the meeting was briefly paused due to a technical interruption and later resumed.
Council discussion also addressed special event and activity fees, private promoters, nonprofit and government agency events, multiday events, street closures, vendor-related fees, and the continued availability of fee-waiver requests for eligible events. Arielle Goodspeed and Kushboo Ingle clarified that the proposed fees reflect the calculated full cost of staff processing time and that private promoter fees cannot exceed full cost, while the Council retains discretion to reduce or waive certain fees as a policy decision when legally appropriate.
The City Council also discussed fire review and inspection fees for special events.
Councilmember Aranda asked whether applicants would be charged for services that do not apply to a particular event. Ms. Goodspeed and Deputy Fire Marshal Charlie Bedolla explained that fire permits and inspections depend on the scope of each event, that life-safety coordination may still be needed, and that not all events are charged for every possible fire-related review.
Mayor Jordan opened the public hearing.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Cara Vonk expressed concerns about proposed tree removal fees and historic resource review fees, saying the costs could discourage maintenance and improvement of historic properties.
Michael Ponce supported charging for use of the baseball field at Abbey Park and suggested dedicating revenues to park maintenance. He also expressed concern regarding some fee increases.
Elise Brentnall requested postponement of the item to allow additional community outreach and discussion regarding the proposed fees
Mayor Jordan closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez discussed nonprofit facility rental fees, documentation requirements for nonprofit status, and special event fees.
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Councilmember Aranda asked how fees apply to special events and whether applicants are charged only for services actually required.
Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia stated that the fee study had been discussed at multiple public meetings and supported moving forward with adoption while allowing future review of individual fees if necessary.
Mayor Jordan and Councilmembers discussed the need for cost recovery while retaining flexibility to adjust fees that provide community benefit.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, the resolution adopting the City of San Juan Bautista Master Fee Schedule for City services, effective August 15, 2026, and authorizing the City Manager or designee to implement annual increases to applicable fees based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Freels
D. Ordinance Amending the San Juan Bautista Municipal Code to Add Chapter 9-5 Mobile Food Facilities and Sidewalk Vending to Title 9. (Introduction) Planning Manager Arielle Goodspeed presented the proposed first reading of the Mobile Food Facility and Sidewalk Vending Ordinance. She explained that the ordinance establishes a regulatory framework for mobile food facilities and sidewalk vendors operating within the City.
It expands beyond traditional food trucks to include all mobile food facilities recognized under California law, incorporates SB 946 sidewalk vending requirements, and sets objective operational standards to protect public health, safety, accessibility, and community character while supporting economic opportunity.
Ms. Goodspeed summarized the ordinance's history, including Planning Commission discussions, public workshops in May 2024, vendor and staff analysis in July 2024, Planning Commission Resolution 2024-05, and the City Council's prior first reading on November 19, 2024. She said the updated ordinance includes California Retail Food Code terminology, a dedicated sidewalk vendor section, ADA accessibility standards, and provisions for sanitation, waste, noise, permitting, renewal, suspension, revocation, definitions, and enforcement.
The proposed approved locations included the Alameda soccer field, McMullamy Street across from the gas station, Abbey Park, and a private commercial or mixed-use property. Ms.
Goodspeed explained that applicants would be required to submit a site plan, insurance, vehicle registration, county health permits, a fire permit or inspection documentation if necessary, and other applicable documentation. She also summarized operational standards for hours of operation, signage, trash, recycling, compost, grease and wastewater disposal, cleanliness, noise, ADA access, emergency access, and prohibition on overnight parking at approved locations.
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Councilmember Aranda expressed support for mobile food facilities and sidewalk vending opportunities and noted that the ordinance had been previously reviewed by the Planning Commission. He stated that mobile food vendors could support economic development in the community but emphasized the need to obtain input from local businesses. He also suggested exploring future economic development opportunities, including the possibility of an entertainment district and other activities to increase downtown activity and visitation.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez expressed support for the ordinance while emphasizing the need to consider potential impacts on existing downtown restaurants and businesses. She suggested evaluating operating days to minimize impacts on local establishments, particularly on days when many restaurants are closed. She asked whether existing restaurants could participate through temporary food vending operations and raised concerns about the proposed location near the Chevron station due to pedestrian safety. She also suggested evaluating additional locations, including Verutti Park, and requested clarification on vendors operating near the Mission and on compliance with health permit requirements.
Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia expressed support for continuing the ordinance's development and discussed the need to avoid regulations that could be interpreted as limiting lawful business competition. He asked questions about operating-hour limitations, private-property operations, existing conditional-use permits, and the process for incorporating Council revisions into the ordinance. He also supported further review of the proposed regulations before adoption.
Mayor Jordan requested clarification on several provisions of the ordinance, including approved vendor locations, sidewalk vending, operating hours, permit requirements, and operations on private property. She raised concerns about potential future conflicts at the proposed location near the future San Benito Health Foundation site and identified inconsistencies in the ordinance regarding operating hours. Mayor Jordan also expressed interest in initially limiting operations to specific days of the week and requested further review of the ordinance before proceeding with adoption.
The City Council directed staff to conduct additional outreach to local businesses, review potential operating days and locations, clarify operating-hour limitations, evaluate provisions related to private-property operations and existing land-use approvals, and return with revised ordinance language for further discussion before adoption. Staff was also directed to bring the item back for additional discussion before scheduling a second reading.
Mayor Jordan opened the public hearing.
No public comments were received.
Mayor Jordan closed the public hearing.
The City Council directed staff to return on August 18, 2026, with the ordinance as a discussion item, including redline options and responses to the Council comments, before bringing the ordinance back for a later second reading and adoption.
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E. Adoption of the 2025 San Benito Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Dana Jacobson presented the 2025 San Benito Urban Area Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan. She explained that the plan is a state-required compliance document prepared every five years and that San Juan Bautista is included through the regional Water Resources Association partnership with the City of Hollister, Sunny Slope County Water District, and the San Benito County Water District. She said Todd Groundwater prepared the plan, which addresses water supplies, projected demands, conservation, drought risk, and shortage response. The plan is necessary to remain eligible for certain state grant and loan funding.
The presentation noted that future demand estimates rely on the 2023 Water and Wastewater Master Plan, that each agency now reports water demand and the aggregate, and that future updates should incorporate updated growth assumptions from the City's Housing Element and planning work. Ms. Jacobson reported that local water supplies are generally healthy, that imported water and groundwater blending remain important for water quality and wastewater compliance, and that conservation efforts have reduced overall urban water use compared with prior decades.
Mayor Jordan opened the public hearing.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce commented on the growth-rate assumptions used in the plan and stated that the Urban Growth Boundary/Sphere of Influence Committee and Housing Element work referenced a 1.9 percent growth rate rather than 3.5 percent. He also suggested that local and regional agencies consider asking the State to provide flexibility on wastewater permit limits during drought years when less imported water is available for blending.
Mayor Jordan closed the public hearing.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, the resolution adopting the 2025 San Benito Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Freels
3. 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
D. Environmental Purchasing Policy (SB 1383)
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Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION adopting the Environmental Purchasing Policy to help comply with the post-consumer recycled content paper product requirements required by SB 1383.
E. Approve a RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of San Juan Bautista adopting a City Holiday Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
F. Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-26 Funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION subject to final review, revision, and approval by the City Manager and the City Engineer, adopting the Fiscal Year 2026/27 List of Projects Funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act.
G. San Juan Day Street Closure
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION authorizing temporary street closures on Sunday, August 9, 2026, for San Juan Day.
H. 2026 San Juan Day Co-Sponsorship and Fee Waiver
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION authorizing the City to co-sponsor the 2026 San Juan Day, provide in-kind services, and waive applicable City fees associated with the event.
I.2026 Market and Food Truck Series
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION authorizing staff to organize, administer, and implement a city-sponsored limited-term 2026 Market and Food Truck Series.
J. Downtown Trash Enclosure Feasibility, Funding, and Potential Locations to Support Compliance with Mandatory Refuse and Recycling Collection Requirements
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION authorizing staff to evaluate the feasibility of shared trash, recycling, and organic waste enclosures within the downtown area and return to the City Council with findings and recommendations.
K. Recognition of S&P Global Ratings Affirmation of the City's A- Enterprise Revenue Bond Rating and Revision of Outlook to Stable
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution acknowledging S&P Global Ratings' affirmation of the City's A- Enterprise Revenue Bond Rating and revision of the rating outlook from Negative to Stable.
L. Direction Regarding Level of Service Assumptions for the San Benito County Traffic Impact Mitigation Fee (TIMF) Nexus Study
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION directing SBCOG and the TIMF Nexus Study consultant to utilize Level of Service (LOS) C as the City of San Juan Bautista's traffic operations assumption for purposes of preparing the regional Traffic Impact Mitigation Fee Nexus Study.
M. Public Safety, Public Works, and Community Services Department Update Recommendation: Receive an update on Public Safety, Public Works, Recreation, and the Library Departments for May 2026.
N. Community Development Department Update
Recommendation: Receive an update on the Community Development Department for May 2026.
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O. Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the Meeting Minutes of May 19, 2026, and May 26, 2026.
May 19 and May 26 minutes were tabled.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, consent agenda Items A- E, G-H, K-L, and N were approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Freels
Item F. Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-26 Funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Cara Vonk requested that the public be notified and provided an opportunity to comment on proposed road repair projects and design details, particularly where historic hardscape, scoring, texture, color, and tactile warning materials may be affected.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, Item F was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Freels
Item I. 2026 Market and Food Truck Series.
City Manager Collick explained that the item would allow the City to work with the community to activate spaces for economic development and to plan summer activities, including possible movie nights and food trucks, while the mobile food facility ordinance continues to be developed.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, Item I was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Freels
Item J. Downtown Trash Enclosure Feasibility, Funding, and Potential Locations to Support Compliance with Mandatory Refuse and Recycling Collection Requirements.
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Cara Vonk asked whether the item would apply only to commercial businesses or also to public trash facilities. She noted the rustic public barrels in the National Register Historic District and said any future approach should maintain the City's historic character.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, Item J was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Freels
Item M. Public Safety, Public Works, and Community Services Department Update.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce, Vice Chair of the San Juan Bautista Service Club, requested a monthly report on Abbey Park activities and discussed park use, administration, and ongoing efforts related to the Abbey Park Sports Group Use Procedure
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, the Public Safety, Public Works, and Community Services Department Update was received.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Freels
4. ACTION ITEMS
A. Adoption of the FY 2026-27 Operational and Capital Budget and Related Fiscal Balancing Adjustments
City Manager Ashley Collick presented the Fiscal Year 2026-27 operating budget, capital improvement plan, and fiscal balancing plan. She stated that the budget reflects the priorities discussed at the May 26 budget study session, along with additional public input and staff analysis. She explained that the City continues to face financial challenges, but the proposed budget maintains essential municipal services, advances critical infrastructure projects, and provides a balanced financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
City Manager Collick stated that the budget process focused on long-term fiscal sustainability, infrastructure obligations, operational pressures, and structural financial challenges. She reported that additional departmental review and allocation refinements identified a combined General Fund and Community Development funding gap of approximately $775,000.
City Manager Collick reviewed cost-containment measures, including staffing adjustments, operational restructuring, consultant reductions, service internalization, position management, and a line-by-line review of needs versus wants. She noted that the proposed budget does not include a cost-of-living adjustment for employees for the second consecutive year and that nonessential requests were reduced, deferred, or eliminated. She also explained that code Page | 10 City Council Meeting Minutes (June 16, 2026)
enforcement was aligned with Community Development, and engineering functions were aligned with Public Works to better reflect operational responsibilities and cost recovery.
The City Manager presented the proposed fiscal balancing strategy, which includes approximately $220,000 from the Library Impact account, $300,000 from PARSAC funds, and $255,000 from a partial repayment of interfund loan obligations owed by the water and sewer enterprise funds to the General Fund. She clarified that the enterprise repayment is not a new loan but a partial repayment of an existing obligation and stated that the water and sewer enterprise funds could accommodate the repayment without adversely affecting operations, capital projects, regulatory compliance, debt obligations, or reserve levels. She reported that the combined funding sources eliminate the remaining budget gap and result in a balanced Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget.
The presentation also addressed long-term strategies, including implementing the user fee study, improving cost recovery, advancing economic development, strengthening revenue, and diversifying revenue. Ms. Collick highlighted capital improvement projects, including the Imported Water Project, Pavement Management Program, downtown revitalization, fire engine procurement, urban boundary and sphere planning, and the Sewer Force Main Project. She clarified that the urban boundary and sphere planning work is not intended to expand the City's boundaries but to implement prior Council direction and complete related planning, environmental review, and LAFCO coordination.
Mayor Jordan opened the public hearing.
Cara Vonk expressed support for adopting a balanced budget and requested that the City profile in the budget document reference the City's National Register Historic District.
Michael Ponce expressed concerns regarding the City's long-term financial sustainability, staffing costs, departmental expenditure, capital purchases, and future budget obligations.
Mayor Jordan closed public comment.
Mayor Jordan closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Aranda thanked staff for the budget preparation process and efforts to balance the budget. He discussed service improvements, organizational changes, updating the City's fee schedule, infrastructure investments, and the importance of long-term fiscal planning.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez thanked staff and City employees for their work on the budget and acknowledged employees for foregoing cost-of-living adjustments for a second consecutive year. She discussed fiscal sustainability, responsible growth, economic conditions, and the importance of maintaining a balanced budget while continuing to meet community needs.
Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia thanked staff for developing a balanced budget and discussed the need for long-term financial sustainability, maintaining service levels, improving economic activity, and building upon recent organizational improvements. He also discussed balancing community expectations with available resources.
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Mayor Jordan thanked staff for their work on the budget, acknowledged employees for foregoing cost-of-living adjustments, and discussed fiscal balancing measures, departmental accountability, and the importance of maintaining core municipal services while planning for future financial needs.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Aranda, the resolution adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating and Capital Budget, including revised appropriations, expenditure reductions, operational adjustments, and related fiscal balancing measures, was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Freels
Mayor Jordan adjourned to a brief recess at 9:04 p.m., and reconvened at 9:20 p.m.
B. Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During Public Meetings Policy City Clerk Elizabeth Soto presented the proposed policy regarding disruption of telephonic or internet service during public meetings. She stated that the policy implements recent Brown Act amendments under Senate Bill 707 and establishes procedures for responding when remote public access is interrupted due to technology failures. She explained that the policy addresses announcing a disruption, recessing the meeting while staff makes good faith efforts to restore service, reconvening the meeting when appropriate, and documenting restoration efforts in the meeting record. She stated that the policy must be implemented by July 1.
Council discussion included questions regarding how long the City Council must recess during a technology disruption, whether the Council could continue a meeting if remote access could not be restored, and how the City would notify the public. City Clerk Soto stated that the policy provides for at least a one-hour recess, that additional time may be taken if needed, and that the City Council could decide whether to continue without full remote technology or continue the meeting to another date, provided the required steps and restoration efforts are documented in the minutes.
Councilmember Aranda asked about procedures if staff could not restore service and whether the City would provide public notification. In response, City Clerk Soto explained that the Council could recess the meeting while staff attempted to restore service and that the meeting record would document restoration efforts and notifications.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez asked whether the Council could continue a meeting if remote participation services could not be restored. In response, City Clerk Soto explained that the Council could determine whether to continue the meeting or continue the item to a future meeting, consistent with the policy requirements.
No public comments were received.
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MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, the resolution adopting Policy Regarding Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During Public Meetings to establish procedures for responding to disruptions in remote public access during City Council meetings was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Freels
5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
A. The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) Program and Potential Application for Downtown Evaluation
Claire Lowe, Public Sector and Community Engagement Coordinator for Urban Land Institute San Francisco, presented information regarding ULI and the Technical Assistance Panel program with Mariana Ricker and Jason Dries-Daffner. Ms. Lowe explained that ULI is a global memberbased nonprofit focused on land use and the built environment, and that ULI San Francisco has more than 2,300 members across the Greater Bay Area representing public, private, nonprofit, academic, development, design, engineering, legal, and real estate sectors.
Ms. Lowe explained that a TAP is an intensive two-day workshop that brings together volunteer expert panelists to provide objective and implementation-oriented recommendations for complex land use issues. She described the process as including City preparation of a briefing book, development of focused questions, a site tour, stakeholder interviews, a closed-door working session, presentation of findings, a final report, a public webinar, and later follow-up with the City.
Ms. Ricker and Mr. Dries-Daffner described prior TAP examples, including Orinda, St. Helena, Dublin, Vacaville, and other communities. They explained that TAPs may address downtown revitalization, retail, housing, affordability, policy or regulatory questions, placemaking, branding, site-specific challenges, development economics, land use, and community compatibility. They emphasized that panel recommendations typically identify near-term actions, medium-term steps, and longer-term strategies.
Councilmember Aranda asked about the cost of the TAP program, the panel's ability to complete its work within the proposed timeframe, potential funding sources for implementing recommendations, and whether the City budget currently identified funding. He expressed concern that recommendations could be difficult to implement without available funding.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez discussed the unique historic character of San Juan Bautista, including its relationship with the State Historic Park and Mission, and asked how the TAP process would address historic preservation, local stakeholder involvement, and the unique needs of a small community. She emphasized the importance of including property owners and preserving the community's historic character in any future planning effort.
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Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia said the presentation was informative and that the program could provide value to the City; however, he expressed concerns about the financial commitment and indicated he would support pursuing the program only if outside funding became available.
Mayor Jordan thanked the presenters for their time and discussed pursuing the TAP program if grant funding, donations, or other funding opportunities become available in the future.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Cara Vonk stated that the City has participated in numerous studies and assessments over the years and expressed concern that additional studies would not address existing issues. She suggested directing available funds toward business assistance and downtown economic support efforts.
Michael Ponce suggested holding a community town hall meeting to gather residents' ideas on downtown revitalization. He expressed concerns regarding the cost of the TAP program and whether recommendations would be financially feasible for a small community such as San Juan Bautista.
The City Council received the presentation and directed staff to continue monitoring potential grant or outside funding opportunities for a future TAP application. The Council expressed interest in revisiting the program if funding becomes available.
6. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. Reports from City Council Representatives to Regional Organizations and Committees
B. City Council and Staff Announcements
Item 6, Informational items and reports, was tabled to the August 18, 2026, meeting.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, the meeting was adjourned.
There being no other business, Mayor Jordan adjourned the meeting at 10:08 p.m.
APPROVED:
______________________
Leslie Q. Jordan, Mayor
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ATTEST:
______________________
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk