Sean Colt

The regular meeting of the Planning Commission focused primarily on the third study session for Phase 3 of the Zoning Ordinance Amendments, specifically addressing the permitting sections. Topics reviewed included proposed changes for zoning ordinance amendments, prezoning and annexations (including a significant change to expire prezoning approvals after two years if annexation is not pursued), development agreements (primarily cleanup for state law compliance), and temporary use permits (categorized as minor or major, with additions for certain temporary events like one-day outdoor company events). Additionally, the commission heard a public hearing for Site and Architectural Review 2025-2 concerning the conversion of an existing car wash into a laundromat with retail/office space and exterior improvements. The commission approved this review item.

The meeting began with a closed session concerning three legal items: existing litigation involving Alexander Silac versus the City of Hollister, anticipated initiation of litigation, and meeting with legal negotiators regarding employee organizations (Service Employees International Union, Local 529, Firefighters Union, Peace Officer Association, and unrepresented employees). Upon returning to the public session, the council held a special order of the day recognizing sponsors and volunteers for 2020-2025 community events and programs, including acknowledgments for youth sports, the Fourth of July kitty parade, and trick-or-treat streets. A student representative from the Hollister High School Robotics Club spoke regarding their upcoming regional competition. Public input addressed concerns about sewer gas in one area of town, the condition of downtown streetlights, and a request for clarification on parklets. The council then approved the consent agenda unanimously. The primary business item was a public hearing regarding a water rate study and adjustments to water rates, which staff presented as necessary due to rates not increasing since 2018, the utility operating at a deficit, and rising inflation impacting operational and capital costs, compounded by a 12% decrease in water sales volume since 2021.

The meeting focused on administrative and ongoing project discussions. Key business included approving an amendment to establish a regular quarterly meeting schedule for the Fire Protection Advisory Committee for February, May, August, and November at 4:00 p.m. The committee also received an update on the Feasibility Study concerning the formation of a regional fire district, which now includes an expanded scope to evaluate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) delivery. Furthermore, the committee voted to table the Fire Cost Recovery Ordinance until the Feasibility Study is complete.

The meeting was convened for a regular session. The initial segment involved the reading and explanation of closed session items by the city attorney. These closed session topics included conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation involving three cases, public employee appointment concerning the city manager position, conference with real property negotiators regarding 190 Maple Avenue, and conference with legal counsel concerning existing litigation in the case of Kain Robert at all versus city of Hollister at all. Following confirmation of no public comments on the closed session items, the council proceeded into closed session, with an expected return to the public portion of the meeting in approximately one and a half hours.

The meeting began with the council convening in closed session to discuss existing litigation concerning Precision Grade Inc. versus the City of Hollister and a real property negotiation regarding 190 Maple Avenue. Upon reconvening in public session, the council unanimously approved a settlement agreement in the Precision Grade litigation, involving a payment of $72,500 to the subcontractor Sierra Markings. Key public input concerned food sharing activities and compliance with SB 634 protections. The council then proceeded to select Council Member Priscilla Deanda for the Vice Mayor Pro Tempor (Mayor Pro Tempor) position for the upcoming year. Discussions also covered transportation issues related to Gavlin College students and an update on rail line expansion possibilities, which is deferred as a lower priority compared to immediate matters like State Route 25 improvements. Furthermore, the council agreed to schedule a review of the Planning Commission bylaws for a future agenda, and members provided extensive positive feedback on recent community events, including the Lights On parade and the tree lighting ceremony.