School’s not the only thing that’s out for summer. The Hollister City Council is taking a July recess for the second year in a row.
The history of the recess starts in 2015 when that year’s July 6 council meeting was cancelled due to the Hollister Independence Rally. At the following meeting on July 20, then-Councilman now-political consultant Victor Gomez suggested a month-long recess be placed on the agenda the following year, Deputy City Clerk Christine Black said.
July 2016 was the first year the council “went dark,” Black said.
Vice Mayor Karson Klauer said he voted against it the first time, but voted for it this time around.
“This job can be kind of stressful, so it’s good to have a little break,” he said. “A good portion of the staff takes a couple days or so off once we’re done with the budget and the rally. The first week of July and the end of June is a busy time for the city.”
Black also said that staff members are busy preparing for the motorcycle rally and the cleanup afterwards.
“This recess additionally allows city council and staff to take vacation and frees them from commitments to be able to do so,” Black said.
Klauer said he recently travelled to Monterey and has plans to go to the beach.
“Nothing major, but we’ll be doing those little things we don’t normally get to do the rest of the year,” he said.
Mayor Ignacio Velazquez plans to take a family road trip.
“We’ll be driving around visiting Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, Grand Teton, all the national parks we can find in that area,” Velazquez said. “We’re trying to get to see all 50 states. We want the kids to see all 50 states and we’re enjoying our time with them seeing the country.”
Councilman Jim Gillio said he spent some time with family on the Fourth of July, but is now back at work.
“That’s where I’ll be for the rest of the month,” Gillio said. “I’m working through the council break.”
Councilwoman Mickie Luna said she didn’t have plans for the recess this year. Councilman Ray Friend didn’t respond to an attempt for comment.
