Jessica Edwards

The meeting commenced with public input where a resident addressed the council regarding the potential reactivation of passenger rail service between Hollister and San Jose, citing persistent issues with commute times and noting that previous studies included rail options. During the consent agenda review, discussion arose concerning the warrant register, specifically regarding animal cremation service descriptions and associated costs, which was deferred to the next meeting for detailed clarification. Council reports covered updates from the Council of Governments (COG) meeting, noting available Measure G road improvement funds (approximately $13 million remaining) and mentioning that one of the State Route 25 corridor improvement options considered rail integration. Another council member reported on attending the Assembly District 29 delegation meeting in Sacramento, receiving information on the state budget, and highlighting that Catholic Charities received funding for immigration services in the region. The City Manager provided a 30-day update, emphasizing council priorities such as fiscal accountability, transparency, equity, and driving action. Observations included identifying the airport as a key economic asset, the need for modernization in Police, IT, and Clerk's offices, and introducing the new Director of Finance, Jessica Okonnell, who will prioritize bringing outstanding audits current. The manager also noted the critical need to hire an HR Director to manage internal liabilities and reduce external legal counsel costs, and stressed addressing the public perception of government untrustworthiness across areas like permitting and utilities.

The meeting, initially called to order due to the absence of a chair, proceeded with procedural steps including a pledge of allegiance and established protocols for public comments, limiting speakers to three minutes. Key agenda items involved site and architectural review for the construction of three shell industrial warehouses at 1850 Airway Drive and 1791 Aerostarway, which involved discussion regarding parking, landscaping, and building elevations. The commission also reviewed Phase Three revisions to the city's zoning ordinance, covering new chapters or modifications related to zoning districts, lot line adjustments, sign permits (including a recommendation to adjust planning commission review for monument signs under six feet), variances, ministerial review (which details state-mandated projects eligible for streamlined review, such as affordable housing and supportive services), and the introduction of a new chapter on reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Staff outlined the process for incorporating feedback and presenting the final drafts next month.

This document is the Annual Progress Report for the City of Hollister for the reporting year 2020. It details the implementation of its Housing Element, including housing development applications, building activity, progress on Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), and the status of various housing programs. Key areas of focus include encouraging affordable housing development, removing governmental constraints, ensuring adequate infrastructure, and maintaining existing housing stock.

The special meeting focused on environmental compliance frameworks, specifically addressing ongoing issues at the wastewater treatment plant and water quality. Key discussions included the odor emanating from the plant, where progress was reported on the installation of new aerators (one installed, one pending installation completion). Enzyme treatment delivery was also scheduled. The council reviewed the status of chopper pumps, noting that three existing pumps were near the end of their life, and the plan is to replace them with chopper pumps, with one ordered and the others pending for the next meeting. Significant discussion centered on sludge removal, which had not occurred since 2022, and its impact on both infrastructure and capacity, especially following the prior council's decision to expand sewer capacity by bringing in external sewer. The new City Manager apologized for the current odor situation, attributing it to lack of monitoring, and committed to working closely with the contractor. The council also directed staff to prepare information regarding the wastewater master plan and the possibility of using available funds to aggressively pay down sewer debt.

The City Council meeting commenced with a closed session to discuss four items, including anticipated litigation and existing litigation (Vincent Gree versus the City of Hollister unfair practice charge), as well as conference with labor negotiators. Following the closed session, the public portion addressed the pledge of allegiance and two public input sessions. Public comments heavily focused on severe issues within the Building and Planning Departments, citing extensive delays (up to a year or more) in obtaining necessary permits for remodels, new construction, and HVAC replacements. One speaker resigned from their role concerning a community garden due to new proposed fees. A developer reported being unable to submit an application for a mixed-use project due to constantly changing city policies, including a temporary ban on general plan applications, and requested council action to proceed with their plan for commercial use. Other commenters reiterated the difficulties, leading to local businesses operating without permits, and requested measurable goals for department improvement and a more welcoming process for development.