City Manager Dave Mirrione gave a presentation and invited Fire Chief Goulding to the podium to answer questions.
Mayor Stephens opened the public comment at 7:25 p.m.
Elia Salinas expressed her concerns with the contract presented, asked the council to consider the safety of firefighters in the contract, and stated that a termination clause should be included in the contract.
Mia Casey expressed her disappointment with the limited notice for the meeting. She stated that the contract fails to address the core issue, which is that Hollister taxpayers are subsidizing the county. She also expressed her concern with the language in the contract that states staffing would be at two firefighters per truck.
Carol Lenoir expressed her disagreement with the contract as presented and stated the County needs to pay its fair share.
Alice asked the council to protect fire personnel and listen to the voters.
Suzanne Howard asked the Council to listen to the Fire Department staff because they are the experts and know how to keep residents safe.
Joe would like the council to consider that there is a spectrum of options to choose from, and this does not feel like the right choice.
Kelly Monroe is discouraged by the lack of communication; she stated that no one is acting in the best interest of everyone else. She asked the agencies to communicate and cooperate with one another.
Jonathan Casey asked the council to review the 2019 discussion regarding this topic to see the similarities. He also asked them to reconsider the payment escalator in the current contract.
There being no more speakers, public comment was closed.
Council Member Morales proposed adding wording to the contract that states that there would be three firefighters on an engine, without changing the dollar amount. She also asked that we add an exit strategy just in case something does not work.
Mayor Stephens stated that the Chief has her full support to staff at 3, and expressed the importance of moving forward with creation of a fire district.