Page | 1 City Council Meeting Minutes (August 18, 2026)
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL
UNOFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 18, 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
Councilmember Morris-Lopez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Present:
Councilmember Jose Aranda
Councilmember Scott Freels
Councilmember Jackie Morris-Lopez
Mayor Pro Tem EJ Sabathia - arrived at 6:02 p.m.
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
Victor M Tafoya, Associate Planner
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. 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).
c. Public Employee Performance Evaluation – (California Government Code section 54957(b)(1)) – City Attorney.
No public comments were received.
Mayor Jordan recessed the meeting to Closed Session at 5:06 p.m. and reconvened the regular Page | 2 City Council Meeting Minutes (August 18, 2026) meeting at 6:02 p.m.
City Attorney Giffen reported on Item 2A, with no reportable action; provided direction on Item 2B; and continued Item 2C until later in the meeting.
3. PROCLAMATION / COMMENDATION
The City of San Juan Bautista proclaimed:
A. National Health Center Week, August 2-6, 2026
B. National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, August 2026
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Received comments from the following members of the public:
Beth Welch raised concerns about delays and communication related to an insurance claim and business license renewal.
Michael Ponce commented on a private-property dispute and requested removal of vehicles and debris.
Chris Perez requested consistent enforcement of fence requirements and a written response regarding the property at 701 Second Street.
Casey Anderson raised privacy and data-security concerns regarding automated license-plate reader cameras.
Megan Ring introduced herself as PG&E’s new Government Relations Director.
5. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Recology Annual Rate Adjustment and Maximum Allowable Solid Waste Collection Rates
Kathryn Ramirez, Staff Analyst with San Benito County Integrated Waste Management, presented the proposed solid waste rates and Proposition 218 protest process. She explained that the franchise agreement establishes the annual adjustment methodology, the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 increases approximately 0.5 percent across service categories, and the multi-year schedule allows maximum annual adjustments of up to 5 percent in later years. She stated that the hearing had been continued from June so additional notice could be provided.
Staff received 18 written protests, and 296 were required for a majority protest. Staff also clarified that the first notice was sent to customers and the re-notice to property owners.
Mayor Jordan opened the public hearing.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Lenora and John Ursula (email submitted) raised concerns regarding the effect of the rates on seniors with fixed incomes and part-time residents. They requested consideration of reduced or seasonal service rates and questioned the multi-year maximum schedule.
Mayor Jordan closed the public hearing.
Page | 3 City Council Meeting Minutes (August 18, 2026) MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, the Council approved the resolution adopting the annual adjustment and establishing the maximum allowable solid waste collection rates.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: Councilmembers Freels and Morris-Lopez; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
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 June 2026.
D. Approve the On-Call Consultant List of Fourteen (14) Consultants for Environmental Review and Planning Consulting Services
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION approving 14 consultants for inclusion on the City's On-Call Environmental Review and Planning Consulting Services List for a three-year term beginning August 18, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029; and authorize the City Manager to execute on-call Professional Services Agreements for the approved term.
E. Award of Professional Services Agreement to Robert D. Niehaus, Inc. for a Sewer Rate Study
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Robert D. Niehaus, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $28,320 for preparation of the City's Sewer Rate Study; authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and make minor, nonsubstantive modifications approved by the City Attorney.
F. Joint Agreement with Community Media Access Partnership (CMAP) for Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) Media Services
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION authorizing a joint services agreement between the City of San Juan Bautista, City of Hollister, and Community Media Access Partnership for PEG media services; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
G. Public Safety Update
Recommendation: Receive an update on monthly public safety statistics for June and July 2026.
H. Public Works, Library and Recreation Department Update Recommendation: Receive an update for June and July 2026.
I. Community Development Department Update
Recommendation: Receive an update for June and July 2026.
J. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 19, 2026.
K. Approve the Special Meeting Minutes of May 26, 2026.
L. Approve the Special Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2026.
M. Approve the Special Meeting Minutes of August 11, 2026.
Page | 4 City Council Meeting Minutes (August 18, 2026) The minutes were tabled.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Freels, consent agenda Items A-C, E-H, and I were approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Item D. Approve the On-Call Consultant List of Fourteen (14) Consultants for Environmental Review and Planning Consulting Services
Planning Manager Goodspeed explained that an on-call list would shorten the procurement period for future project-specific environmental or planning work. Individual scopes would still be competitively requested, the lowest qualified proposal would be selected, and any project contract and budget amendment would return for approval as required. She stated that approval of the list did not add a current budget expense and that applicant-funded work would be supported by applicant deposits.
Councilmember Freels questioned the number of firms and requested removal of Four Leaf, Inc. based on the City's prior experience with the firm. Council discussion also addressed staff capacity, the consultant review process, and whether the City could choose which qualified firms to include.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Michael Ponce questioned the need for 14 consultants, whether existing staff could perform some of the work, the inclusion of Four Leaf, Inc., and the inclusion of BKF Engineers while it was already working with the City.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Freels, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, the resolution approving 13 consultants for inclusion on the City's On-Call Environmental Review and Planning Consulting Services List for the stated term, excluding Four Leaf, Inc., and authorizing the City Manager to execute the on-call Professional Services Agreements was approved as amended.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
7. ACTION
A. Authorization for Design and Construction of a Downtown Shared Trash, Recycle, and Organics Enclosure on Mariposa Street
Planning Manager Goodspeed presented the proposal to begin design and outreach for a shared trash, recycling, and organics enclosure serving downtown businesses that lack space outside the public right-of-way. Staff evaluated Mariposa, Washington, and Polk Streets with Public Works, Page | 5 City Council Meeting Minutes (August 18, 2026) engineering, Recology, and Integrated Waste, and identified Mariposa Street as the preferred operational location. The preliminary authorization was not to exceed $100,000 from restricted solid-waste revenues and grant funds, including approximately $60,000 in SB 1383 grant funding with a November 1 deadline.
Councilmember Aranda asked about project funding, affected businesses, future maintenance responsibilities, enclosure size, and compatibility with downtown events.
Councilmember Freels supported the project, suggested evaluating locations closer to Fourth Street and outside the Historic District, and discussed operational considerations.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez raised concerns regarding business access, parking impacts, visibility, and whether the issue warranted a centralized facility.
Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia supported evaluating locations outside the Historic District and requested stakeholder outreach that considers walking distances and operational equity among businesses.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
John Hopper expressed concerns regarding traffic visibility and safety, questioned the origin of the complaints prompting the proposal, suggested researching the adjacent parcel's history, and encouraged equitable enforcement.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Aranda, the resolution was amended to evaluate a Mariposa Street location closer to Fourth Street and outside the Historic District while conducting stakeholder outreach, including consideration of potential easement opportunities.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
B. Appointment of Representatives to the Regional Agency Governance and Franchise Review Ad Hoc Committee
City Manager Collick explained that the regional agency proposed a staff-level committee to review its governance structure and prepare for the next solid waste franchise agreement. She said staff participation would allow the City to address concerns raised about rates and the future hauler-selection and negotiation process. Councilmembers supported having the City Manager and Planning Manager participate.
No public comments were received.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, the City Manager and Planning Manager were appointed as the City's representatives to the Regional Agency Governance and Franchise Review Ad Hoc Committee.
Page | 6 City Council Meeting Minutes (August 18, 2026) AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
C. Historic Resources Board / Planning Commission Vacancy The City Council Ad Hoc Committee reported that it invited six applicants to interviews, four complete interviews, and all four candidates demonstrated strong qualifications and interest in serving the community. The committee recommended appointing Nick Leggett to the term ending December 2026 and Stephanie Correa to the term ending December 2028.
No public comments were received.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Councilmember Freels, the ad hoc committee's recommendation was accepted, and Nick Leggett was appointed to the term ending December 2026 and Stephanie Correa was appointed to the term ending December 2028.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Freels, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. Reports from City Council Representatives to Regional Organizations and Committees
Councilmember Aranda reported that he could not attend the AMBAG meeting, attended an Integrated Waste meeting that led to the formation of the regional governance and franchisereview committee, and participated in a San Benito Health Foundation food-distribution event.
Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia reported on a Green Business event with Senator Laird and regional waste-management representatives. He also reported on a regional wastewater governance meeting regarding the A-DROP groundwater project, results from five test wells, and a proposal to add capacity at San Luis Reservoir.
Mayor Jordan reported that she also attended the regional wastewater governance meeting. She reported that LAFCO received an inquiry about forming a special district, approved written determinations for the San Juan Bautista and Hollister Municipal Service Reviews, and approved the annexation of the Toro Petroleum County island into the City of Hollister. She also reported on Water Resources Association rebates and exchange programs for turf, toilets, and water softeners.
B. City Council Announcements
Councilmember Aranda announced Play Music on the Porch Day on Saturday, August 22, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m.; free Movies in the Park on Saturdays through September 12; and Frolic & Revel events, planned by the San Juan Bautista Business Association, on Saturdays from Page | 7 City Council Meeting Minutes (August 18, 2026) September 19 through October 24.
Councilmember Freels announced that the Native Daughters would host early California-style music at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Play Music on the Porch Day and encouraged the public to support VFW Post 6359 at football-season potlucks.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez announced vacancies on the San Benito County Council of Governments Measure G Committee and encouraged interested representatives from education, the Latinx community, seniors, and the disabled community to contact the Council of Governments.
Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia had no announcements. Mayor Jordan encouraged the public to attend Movies in the Park.
CLOSED SESSION
c. Public Employee Performance Evaluation – (California Government Code section 54957(b)(1)) – City Attorney.
Mayor Jordan adjourned the meeting to closed session at 8:06 p.m., and adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
The Mayor reconvened open session at 8:21 p.m.
City Attorney reported that direction was provided on item 2.c.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn by Councilmember Morris-Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Freels.
There being no other business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
APPROVED:
______________________
Leslie Q. Jordan, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk
Item: 7.A
City Council Meeting
September 15, 2026
Page | 1
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION/CITY CLERK
FROM: ELIZABETH SOTO, CMC, CPMC, CITY CLERK /
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES MANAGER
BY:
TITLE: LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES (LCC) VOTING DELEGATE RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Delegate a Voting Delegate and Alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, September 23-25, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City appoint a delegate and an alternate voting delegate for the annual League of California Cities General Assembly on policy resolutions and further authorize the City’s delegate to vote on the Cal Cities’ proposed policy resolutions.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The League of California Cities 2025 Annual Conference and Expo is scheduled for September 23-25, 2026, in Long Beach, California. A voting delegate is a councilmember who will be representing the City of San Juan Bautista at the General Assembly. Delegates during the General Assembly will be voting on resolutions, which, if approved, become Cal Cities policy.
Voting delegates must attend the full conference (September 23-25, 2026), including the General Assembly, which takes place on Fridays of the annual conference.
The General Assembly is a meeting of the collective body of all voting delegates — one from every member city. During the General Assembly, voting delegates debate and consider general and petitioned resolutions forwarded by the Resolutions Committee. Potential Cal Cities bylaws amendments are also considered at the General Assembly meeting.
BACKGROUND:
Seven Policy Committees meet throughout the year to review and recommend positions to take on bills and regulatory proposals. Policy committees include members from each Cal Cities Page | 2
diversity caucus, regional division, municipal department, as well as individuals appointed by the Cal Cities president.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
1400 K Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814 • 916.658.8200 • calcities.org DATE: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
TO: Mayors, Council Members, City Clerks, and City Managers RE: DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, Sept. 23-25, 2026 Anaheim Convention Center
Every year, the League of California Cities convenes a member-driven General Assembly at the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo. The General Assembly is an important opportunity where city officials can directly participate in the development of Cal Cities policy.
Taking place on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 the General Assembly is comprised of voting delegates appointed by each member city; every city has one voting delegate. Your appointed voting delegate plays an important role during the General Assembly by representing your city and voting on resolutions.
To cast a vote during the General Assembly, your city must designate a voting delegate and up to two alternate voting delegates, one of whom may vote if the designated voting delegate is unable to serve in that capacity. Voting delegates may either be an elected or appointed official.
Action by Council Required. Consistent with Cal Cities bylaws, a city’s voting delegate and up to two alternates must be designated by the city council. Please note that designating the voting delegate and alternates must be done by city council action and cannot be accomplished by individual action of the mayor or city manager alone.
Following council action, please submit your city’s delegates through the online submission portal by Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. When completing the Voting Delegate submission form, you will be asked to attest that council action was taken. You will need to be signed in to your My Cal Cities account when submitting the form.
Submitting your voting delegate form by the deadline will allow us time to establish voting delegate/alternate records prior to the conference and provide pre-conference communications with voting delegates.
Conference Registration Required. The voting delegate and alternates must be registered to attend the conference. They need not register for the entire conference; they may register for Friday only. Conference registration opens June 2.
For a city to cast a vote, one voter must be present at the General Assembly and in possession of the voting delegate card and voting tool. Voting delegates and Council Action Advised by September 1, 2026
alternates need to pick up their conference badges before signing in and picking up the voting delegate card at the voting delegate desk. This will enable them to receive the special sticker on their name badges that will admit the voting delegate into the voting area during the General Assembly.
Please view Cal Cities’ event and meeting policy in advance of the conference.
Transferring Voting Card to Non-Designated Individuals Not Allowed. The voting delegate card may be transferred freely between the voting delegate and alternates, but only between the voting delegate and alternates. If the voting delegate and alternates find themselves unable to attend the General Assembly, they may not transfer the voting card to another city official.
Seating Protocol during General Assembly. At the General Assembly, individuals with a voting card will sit in a designated area. Admission to the voting area will be limited to the individual in possession of the voting card and with a special sticker on their name badge identifying them as a voting delegate.
The voting delegate desk, located in the conference registration area of the Anaheim Convention Center, will be open at the following times: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 24, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. On Friday, Sept. 25, the voting delegate desk will be open at the General Assembly, starting at 7:30 a.m., but will be closed during roll calls and voting.
The voting procedures that will be used at the conference are attached to this memo.
Please share these procedures and this memo with your council and especially with the individuals that your council designates as your city’s voting delegate and alternates.
Once again, thank you for submitting your voting delegate and alternates by Tuesday, Sept. 1. If you have questions, please contact Zach Seals at [email protected].
Attachments:
• General Assembly Voting Guidelines
• Information Sheet: Cal Cities Resolutions and the General Assembly