City Council of the City of Hollister

Minutes of the Regular Meeting

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6:30 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

City Council Chamber, City Hall

375 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023

Members Present:

• Roxanne Stephens, Mayor
• Rudy Picha, District 1
• Rolan Resendiz, District 2
• Dolores Morales, District 3
• Priscilla de Anda, District 4

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Stephens called the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Hollister to order at 6:31 p.m.

2.

ROLL CALL

3.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Councilmember de Anda led the Pledge of Allegiance.

4.

CLOSED SESSION

City Attorney Mary Lerner announced Item 12.2 would be heard in closed session with item 4.1.

Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 6:33 p.m.

Mary Zanger commented on the services provided by Jovenes de Antaño to seniors in the community.

Alice Miranda urged the City to continue to allow Jovenes de Antaño to use the Community Center and spoke regarding the services provided by Jovenes. 

Wendy Rothwell commented on the services provided by Jovenes de Antaño to seniors in the community.

Marysol Rordirguez spoke regarding the meals provided by Jovenes de Antaño to seniors in the community.

Karen Wasserman commented on the services provided by Jovenes de Antaño  to seniors in the community.

Araceli Caballeros provided comments in Spanish.

Nellie C. urged the City to continue to allow Jovenes de Antaño to use the Community Center.

Danny Barrera, Executive Director of Jovenes de Antaño, asked expressed concern that the organization was never allowed to negotiate with the City and asked the Council to allow more time for Jovenes to secure a new location. 

Soledad Jaourdgy provided comments in Spanish.

Josefina Figueroa provided comments in Spanish.

Alejo Hernandez urged the City to continue to allow Jovenes de Antaño to use the Community Center and spoke regarding the services provided by Jovenes. 

Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 6:53 p.m.

City Manager David Mirrione provided information regarding how grant funding for seniors is awarded in San Benito County and stated the City does not have control over or decision-making authority over these funds. 

Councilmember Morales summarized City Manager David Mirrione's comments in Spanish. 

Clay Kempf with Martha's Kitchen stated services will continue for seniors in the community with a planned start date of July 1, 2025. If Jovenes de Antaño ends their services earlier than that, Martha's Kitchen will begin providing services as soon as possible. 

City Attorney Mary Lerner read the closed session titles.

4.1

CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6

Agency designated representatives: City Manager David Mirrione and Assistant City Attorney Rob Lomeli

Employee Organizations: Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 521; Hollister Firefighters Union (HFFU), Local 3395; Hollister Peace Officer Association (HPOA); and un-represented employees

4.2

CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8

Property: 300 West St., Hollister, CA 95023
Agency Negotiator: David Mirrione, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Jovenes de Antano
Under Negotiation: Lease Terms

Mayor Stephens convened the meeting into closed session at 7:06 p.m.

The City Council reconvened in open session at 7:45 p.m.

5.

CLOSED SESSION REPORT

City Attorney Mary Lerner stated no reportable action was taken in closed session.

6.

SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY

6.1

SAN BENITO HEALTH FOUNDATION PROCLAMATION

7.

PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

Rene Baez inquired how the City is supporting new high school graduates not planning to attend college, such as supporting commercial growth, small development projects, and improved infrastructure. 

8.

CONSENT ITEMS

Councilmember Picha invited Alexander Sugiura to speak regarding his proposed Eagle Scout project at Veterans Memorial Hall.

• Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
  Seconded by: Council Member Picha

  The consent calendar items are approved.

  Ayes (5)

  Council Member Resendiz, Council Member Morales, Council Member Picha, Council Member de Anda, and Mayor Stephens

  Carried (5 to 0)

8.1

APPROVE MAY 5, 2025 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

8.2

WARRANT REGISTER

• Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
  Seconded by: Council Member Picha

  Ratify and approve the Warrant Registers for the General-Special-Enterprise-Assessment Funds attached.

  Carried

8.3

A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN UPDATED AIRPORT USE AGREEMENT WITH TRUWEATHER SOLUTIONS, INC TO PLACE ADVANCED WEATHER SENSOR INSTRUMENTS AT THE HOLLISTER MUNICIPAL AIRPORT

• Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
  Seconded by: Council Member Picha

  Adopt a resolution approving an updated Airport Use Agreement with TruWeather Solutions, Inc. to place advanced weather sensor instruments at the Hollister Municipal Airport and authorizing the City Manager to execute the updated Agreement.

  Carried

8.4

A RESOLUTION APPROVING A BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA EAGLE SCOUT CANDIDATE TO COMPLETE A PROJECT ON THE GROUNDS AT THE VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING AND NAMING THE VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING AS PROJECT BENEFICIARY

• Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
  Seconded by: Council Member Picha

  Approve a Boy Scouts of America Organization Eagle Scout candidate to complete a project on the Veterans Memorial Building grounds and the Veterans Memorial Building named project beneficiary.

  Carried

8.5

A RESOLUTION APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF HOLLISTER AND HOLLISTER DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION FOR FY 2025/26 FOR THE CALIFORNIA MAINSTREET PROGRAM IN DOWNTOWN HOLLISTER

• Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
  Seconded by: Council Member Picha

  Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Hollister and Hollister Downtown Association for FY 2025/26.

  Carried

8.6

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND/OR STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

• Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
  Seconded by: Council Member Picha

  Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Council to approve and assign a Designation of Applicant’s Agent for the required Non-State Agencies Form 130 to be eligible to receive funding from the State of California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

  Carried

8.7

A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH LONG’S CUSTOM DISCING TO MITIGATE WEEDS ON CERTAIN PROPERTIES AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT

• Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
  Seconded by: Council Member Picha

  Adopt a resolution approving an agreement with Long’s Custom Discing for Weed Abatement Services and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.

  Carried

8.8

A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 93-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 AND SETTING THE PUBLIC HEARING

• Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
  Seconded by: Council Member Picha

  Adopt a resolution declaring the intention to levy and collect assessments for Landscape and Lighting District No. 93-1 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and setting the public hearing by the City Council for the levy and collection of assessments for Landscape and Lighting District No. 93-1 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 for June 2, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the City of Hollister’s Council Chambers, 375 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95203.

  Carried

8.9

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF THE 1940 AIRWAY DRIVE PROJECT INTO COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT #4 ANNEXATION NO. 61 (PUBLIC FACILITIES SERVICES)

• Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
  Seconded by: Council Member Picha

  Adopt a resolution approving the annexation of the1940 Airway Drive Project into CFD#4.

  Carried

8.10

A RESOLUTION APPROVING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

• Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
  Seconded by: Council Member Picha

  Adopt a resolution approving a list of projects funded by SB 1: the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

  Carried

9.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

9.1

RESOLUTIONS FOR WEST FAIRVIEW SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT, SITE & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 2022-13, AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2022-5 FOR BRIGHT FUTURE RECOVERY.

Councilmember Resendiz recused himself regarding this item stating his partner contracts with the applicant. Councilmember Resendiz left the room.

Senior Planner Erica Frasier provided the staff presentation.

Mayor Stephens opened the public hearing at 8:07 p.m.

There were no speakers for this item.

Mayor Stephens closed the public hearing at 8:07 p.m.

• Moved by: Council Member Morales
  Seconded by: Mayor Stephens

  Adopt resolutions approving the CEQA Addendum, West Fairview Specific Plan Amendment, Site & Architectural Review, and Conditional Use Permit.

  Ayes (4)	Council Member Morales, Council Member Picha, Council Member de Anda, and Mayor Stephens
  Absent (1)	Council Member Resendiz

  Carried (4 to 0)

9.2

PLANNED DEVELOPMENT 2025-1 AND TENTATIVE MAP 2025-1 – AUGIE DENT – EVERGLEN PHASE 2 SUBDIVISION (APN 051-230-005)

Councilmember Resendiz returned to the dais.

Senior Planner Erica Frasier provided the staff presentation.

Mayor Stephens opened the public hearing at 8:24 p.m.

Augie Dent, project applicant, provided additional information regarding the prior density calculation for the project. 

Mayor Stephens closed the public hearing at 8:29 p.m.

Councilmember Resendiz expressed concern that no affordable or multi-family houses are included in the project.

• Moved by: Council Member Resendiz
  Seconded by: Mayor Stephens

  Deny introduction of an ordinance approving a Planned Development Rezone; and deny adoption of a resolution approving a Tentative Map for the Everglen Phase 2 development.

  Ayes (4)	Council Member Resendiz, Council Member Picha, Council Member de Anda, and Mayor Stephens
  Noes (1)	Council Member Morales

  Carried (4 to 1)

9.3

APPEAL 2025-2 – ALEXANDER SYWAK – AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S DENIAL OF APPEAL 2024-3 RELATED TO THE LOCATION OF RESIDENTIAL FENCES AT 1000 & 1010 PATRICK DRIVE (APNS 058-060-081 & 058-060-082). CEQA: CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT, SECTION 15061(b)(3).

10.

COUNCIL BUSINESS

10.1

CONSIDER, DISCUSS, AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING CREATING A BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMISSION

City Clerk Jennifer Woodworth provided the staff report.

Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 8:40 p.m.

Pete Hernandez supported creation of a Business Advisory Commission.

Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 8:43 p.m.

By consensus, the City Council directed staff to return with a draft resolution to form a Business Advisory Commission with the following qualifications and requirements:

• Commission to meet quarterly
• Members required to own a business that generates sales tax revenue for the City
• Five-member Commission with each member of the City Council to recommend a Commission member for Council approval
• Majority of Commission members will be small business owners
• At least one member of the Commission will have a business located in the Downtown area
• Commissions purpose to:
  • Enhance economic development in the City
  • Help the City create policies to positively impact internal City operations to help the business community thrive
  • Commission will not duplicate the responsibilities of the Planning Commission

10.2

DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING THE RESTRUCTURING OF VARIOUS CITY COMMISSIONS

City Clerk Jennifer Woodworth provided the staff report.

Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 9:17 p.m.

No speakers present.

Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 9:17 p.m.

By consensus, the City Council directed the following:
1. Consolidate the Parks and Recreation Commission, Arts and Culture Commission, and Youth Commission into a single Commission, return with a Council item to determine the structure of the new consolidated commission, with seven members, one of which is a youth member aged 16-21, and setting quarterly meetings;
2. Sunset the Historic Resources Commission;
3. Adopt a bylaws amendment to modify the meeting schedule of the Airport Advisory Commission, changing its frequency from monthly to quarterly;
4. Formally disband the Disaster Council; and
5. Staff to bring back resolution(s) and ordinance (if required) reflecting the recommended changes.

10.3

DISCUSSION REGARDING A REGULATORY PERMIT FOR MONTEREY BAY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE HOLLISTER INC. AT A NEW LOCATION OF 1785 SAN FELIPE ROAD

Cannabis Affairs Program Manager Maria Mendez provided the staff report.

Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 9:29 p.m.

Bryce Berryessa, with Monterey Bay Alternative Medicine Hollister, Inc., requested the Council approve the Cannabis Regulatory Permit with a proposed language change to remove the requirement for the applicant to correct current code violations. 

Victor Gomez, representing Monterey Bay Alternative Medicine Hollister, Inc., requested the Council approve the Cannabis Regulatory Permit with a proposed language change to remove the requirement for the applicant to correct current code violations. 

Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 9:34 p.m.

By consensus, the City Council directed staff to return with a resolution to approve the Cannabis Regulatory Permit for Monterey Bay Alternative Medicine Hollister, Inc. at a proposed new location, 1785 San Felipe Road.

By consensus, the City Council approved continuing the meeting past 10:00 p.m.

The City Council recessed at 9:57 p.m. and reconvened at 10:00 p.m. with all members of Council present. 

10.4

INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2024-25 QUARTER 3 BUDGET MONITORING AND RECEIVE A PRELIMINARY UPDATE REGARDING FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT

City Manager David Mirrione provided the staff report.

Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 10:48 p.m.

There were no speakers for this item.

Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 10:48 p.m.

11.

INFORMATIONAL REPORTS

11.1

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Councilmember Resendiz reported he attended meetings of the San Benito County Council of Governments.

Councilmember de Anda and Mayor Stephens reported the Animal Services ad hoc committee met to discuss partnerships and options to reduce costs.

Councilmember Picha reported he and Mayor Stephens met with the Monterey Bay Confederation of Clubs and discussed the 2025 Independence Rally. Councilmember Picha also attended a meeting of the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments and meetings of the San Benito County Council of Governments.

Councilmember Morales reported she attended the San Benito County Leadership Academy graduation.

11.2

COUNCIL REPORTS

No reports.

1.

CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

11.3

CITY MANAGER REPORT

No reports.

1.

UPDATED CITY COUNCIL PROJECTS

12.

CLOSED SESSION

City Attorney Mary Lerner read the closed session item titles.

Mayor Stephens opened public comment at 11:04 p.m.

There were no speakers for the closed session agenda items.

Mayor Stephens closed public comment at 11:04 p.m.

Mayor Stephens convened the meeting into closed session at 11:05 p.m.

12.1

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9

Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (d) of section 54956.9 of the Government Code (1 case)

12.2

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9

Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (d) of section 54956.9 of the Government Code
Request to Cure Brown Act Violation – Weinberg Roger & Rosenfeld

13.

CLOSED SESSION REPORT

City Attorney Mary Lerner reported in closed session, the City Council provided unanimous consent and direction to staff to make the following report: 

"The Hollister City Council hereby affirms its unconditional commitment to uphold and protect the public’s right to address the Council during meetings in accordance with the provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act (California Government Code Section 54950, et seq.). The Council shall not impose any condition, policy or practice that unlawfully restricts the public’s right to make public comment on agenda items or matters within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. This commitment is made without qualification or limitation. The City Council shall ensure that all meetings subject to the Brown Act provide meaningful opportunities for public comment, consistent with the Act’s letter and spirit."

14.

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 12:25 a.m.