Page | 1 City Council Meeting Minutes (September 15, 2026)
CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
CITY COUNCIL
UNOFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Jordan called the regular meeting to order at 5:17 p.m. in the Council Chambers 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 Jackie Morris-Lopez
Mayor Pro Tem EJ Sabathia - arrived at 5:49 p.m.
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:
Roy Morales, Assistant to the City 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): (2 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 5:19 p.m. and reconvened the regular Page | 2 City Council Meeting Minutes (September 15, 2026) meeting at 6:02 p.m.
City Attorney Giffen announced that direction was provided and that there was no reportable action.
3. PROCLAMATION / COMMENDATION
The City of San Juan Bautista proclaimed:
A. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, September 2026
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Received comments from the following members of the public:
Michael Ponce expressed concerns regarding code compliance, ethics, and matters involving the use of private property. He also commented on local leadership and upcoming elections.
Anonymous written comment concerning community involvement in addressing City issues, including downtown conditions, municipal finances, and local governance.
5. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Introduce an Ordinance Amending Chapter 11 of the San Juan Bautista Municipal Code pertaining to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)
Recommendation: Hold a Public Hearing to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Section 11-02-050 (Zoning Districts), Chapter 11-04.5 (Accessory Dwelling Units), and Chapter 11-29 (Definitions) of Title 11 of the San Juan Bautista Municipal Code pertaining to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU).
The item is being tabled to the City Council meeting of October 20, 2026.
Mayor Jordan opened the public hearing.
No public comments were received.
Mayor Jordan closed the public hearing.
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 July 2026.
D. Conflict of Interest Code - Biennial Review
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION approving amendment to Appendix B Page | 3 City Council Meeting Minutes (September 15, 2026) (Designated Positions) of the City's Conflict of Interest Code following the required biennial review.
E. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Robert D.
Niehaus, Inc. for Water Rate Study.
Recommendation: Approve A RESOLUTION authorizing Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Robert D. Niehaus, Inc. (RDN) to add a concurrent Water Rate Study for a firm-fixed amount of $29,860, increasing the total agreement amount from $28,320 to $58,180, and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney and incorporation of RDN's written scope clarification.
F. Approval of Updated Agreement with Ridgeline Municipal Strategies, LLC for Municipal Advisory and Consulting Services Related to Water and Wastewater System Compliance Projects.
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION approving the updated Agreement for Municipal Advisory and Consulting Services with Ridgeline Municipal Strategies, LLC through June 30, 2028, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, subject to completion of the Task 1 not-to-exceed budget in Exhibit B and availability of budgeted funds.
G. Authorize Reimbursement to the San Benito County Water District for Water Supply Plan Cost
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION authorizing reimbursement to the San Benito County Water District in the amount of $234,914.70 for costs incurred in support of the San Juan Bautista Water Supply Plan and authorizing the City Manager or designee to process payment following final verification of funding eligibility and accounting requirements
H. Día de los Muertos Procession Rolling Street Closures Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION authorizing temporary rolling street closures on November 2, 2026, for the Día de los Muertos Procession.
I. Consideration of City Co-Sponsorship and Fee Waiver for the 2026 Día de los Muertos Procession
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION designating the 2026 Día De Los Muertos Procession as a city co-sponsored event and approving a waiver of permit fees and City costs associated with the event in the amount of $2,413.19.
J. Temporary Street Closure for a California State Parks Event (Vertigo Movie Showing) Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION to authorize the temporary closure of Second Street between Mariposa Street and Washington Street on September 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., in connection with Encroachment Permit Application ENC314, subject to the conditions set forth in the Resolution.
K. Consideration of City Co-Sponsorship and Fee Waiver for the California State Parks Vertigo Movie (ENC314)
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION designating the California State Parks Vertigo Screening event as a city co-sponsored event and approving a waiver of permit fees and City costs associated with Encroachment Permit Application ENC314 in Page | 4 City Council Meeting Minutes (September 15, 2026) the amount of $770.39
L. Digital Communication and Social Media Policy
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION repealing Resolution No. 2017-23 and adopting the City of San Juan Bautista’s updated Digital Communications and Social Media Policy
M. Authorization to Issue a Request for Proposals for City Attorney and Municipal Legal Services
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION authorizing issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for City Attorney and Municipal Legal Services; directing staff to conduct a qualifications-based, best-value evaluation of proposals and present the results and ranking to the City Council; and providing for finalist interviews by the full City Council prior to final selection, appointment, and contract approval.
N. Accept The Alameda Hwy 156 Right Turn Lane Retaining Wall CIP Project 20.03 Completed by L. Loduca Co.
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION accepting the Alameda/Highway 156 RightHand Turn Lane Retaining Wall Improvements Project as complete; and release the retention and applicable construction bonds in accordance with legal requirements.
O. Authorize the City Manager and/or Designee to Conduct AB 52 and SB 18 Tribal Consultation
Recommendation: Approve a RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager, and/or designee, to initiate, conduct, coordinate, and conclude consultation with California Native American tribes on behalf of the City of San Juan Bautista pursuant to Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52) and Senate Bill 18 (SB 18), as applicable to City projects and land use actions.
P. Public Safety Update
Recommendation: Receive an Update on the Monthly Public Safety statistics for June and August 2026 Q. Public Works, Library and Recreation Department Update Recommendation: Receive an Update for August 2026.
R. Community Development Department Update
Recommendation: Receive an Update for August 2026.
S. Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 19, 2026; Special Meeting Minutes of May 26, 2026; Special Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2026; Special Meeting Minutes of August 11, 2026; and Regular Meeting Minutes of August 18, 2026.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, consent agenda Items A through S were approved.
Page | 5 City Council Meeting Minutes (September 15, 2026) AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Councilmember Freels
7. ACTION
A. League of California Cities (LCC) Voting Delegate
City Clerk Elizabeth Soto explained that the annual conference would be held in Long Beach and requested designation of a Council representative for the General Assembly and an alternate, if desired. Mayor Jordan stated that she would already be attending. No alternate was designated.
No public comments were received.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Term Sabathia, seconded by Councilmember Aranda, Mayor Jordan was designated as the City’s voting delegate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Councilmember Freels
B. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Engagement Agreement with Kennedy, Archer & Giffen, P.C, for City Attorney and Municipal Legal Services City Manager Collick explained that the existing agreement expired August 15, 2026, and that an extension would maintain uninterrupted legal services during the competitive selection process. The amendment provides a month-to-month continuation effective August 16, 2026, permits either party to terminate with 60 days’ notice, continues services during the notice period, provides transition support to successor counsel if needed, and makes no change to the compensation structure. The current firm may participate in the RFP process.
No public comments were received.
MOTION:
Upon motion by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia, the resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the Engagement Agreement with Kennedy, Archer & Giffen, P.C. for City Attorney and municipal legal services and authorizing the City Manager to execute the amendment was approved.
AYES: Councilmembers: Aranda, Morris-Lopez, Sabathia, and Mayor Jordan; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Councilmember Freels
Page | 6 City Council Meeting Minutes (September 15, 2026) C. Discuss and Provide Direction on the Proposed Chapter 9-5 Mobile Food Facilities and Sidewalk Vending Ordinance
The item is being continued to the City Council meeting of October 20, 2026.
No public comments were received.
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. City Manager’s Report
City Manager Collick provided an overview of major initiatives, infrastructure projects, operational priorities, community programs, and organizational improvements. She explained that matters requiring Council policy direction or action would be presented separately through the public meeting process.
The report addressed the water transmission pipeline project, coordination with engineering and financial partners, pursuit of U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and other funding, Sewer System Management Plan updates, and completion of corrective work on USDA loan discrepancies. The Council expected the water and sewer rate-study results back, hopefully by year-end. Other efforts included regional waste planning, franchise-agreement discussions, and downtown wastemanagement improvements.
City Manager Collick reported on participation in the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership; feedback from the August business listening session; business retention and attraction; permitting and application improvements; special-event coordination; fee-schedule updates; and the proposed mobile food facilities and sidewalk vending ordinance. She announced the next Coffee with the City Manager event on September 19, 2026.
She reported receiving a $10,000 scholarship to attend a Harvard Kennedy School leadership decision-making program from September 27 through October 2, 2026, and noted additional professional development opportunities. She also addressed implementing the Parks and Facilities Use Policy, reviewing the Sheriff’s Office contract, business-license compliance, abandoned-vehicle abatement, and the Highway 156/The Alameda right-turn-lane project.
City Manager Collick explained the City’s service and enforcement responsibilities, distinguished municipal issues from private disputes, and emphasized that the Council establishes policy while staff implements adopted policies and manages daily operations. No Council action was taken.
B. Reports from City Council Representatives to Regional Organizations and Committees
Councilmember Aranda reported on Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments meetings covering executive leadership, the overall work program and budget, and the approval of a draft Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program for regional transportation projects. He also reported on an integrated waste meeting covering solid-waste management, diversion, composting, and local programs.
Page | 7 City Council Meeting Minutes (September 15, 2026) Councilmember Morris-Lopez reported on the Council of Governments and ongoing Highway 25 expansion discussions. She raised safety concerns regarding the right turn from State Route 156 onto Mission Vineyard Road, including highway speeds, the lack of a separate right-turn lane, the nearby fork and gravel, and anticipated wet-weather and nighttime conditions. She stated that she would continue seeking coordination among the City, County, and Caltrans. She also reported on the reactivated Monterey Bay Latino elected officials’ group, her appointment to represent San Benito County, and an upcoming Council of Governments meeting, and encouraged public participation.
Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia reported that she had not attended any meetings since the last Council meeting and that the preceding meeting was the Water Resources Board.
Mayor Jordan reported on a Board of Supervisors tourism ad hoc committee considering wayfinding and monument features related to Pinnacles National Park and the “Home of the Pinnacles” branding. The Board discussed possible artwork similar to the Washington Street overpass, but no firm proposal had been selected. She stated that her other meetings had been canceled.
C. City Council Announcements
Councilmember Aranda announced the Frolic and Revel Festival on September 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. on Third Street; a composting workshop, the Vertigo movie screening and behind-thescenes tours, and the Anza Trail Moonlight Walk on September 26, 2026; and continuing Monday morning markets from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Third Street.
Mayor Jordan requested that the City Clerk accept nominations for National Philanthropy Day and said the Council would announce its selection at the October 20, 2026, meeting.
Councilmember Morris-Lopez and Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia had no further announcements.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn by Councilmember Aranda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sabathia.
There being no other business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 6:44 p.m.
APPROVED:
______________________
Leslie Q. Jordan, Mayor
Page | 8 City Council Meeting Minutes (September 15, 2026) ATTEST:
______________________
Elizabeth Soto, City Clerk