The Hollister City Council:
– Passed an urgency ordinance disallowing permits for new
billboards. A resident recently approached the planning department
about putting up 12 billboards along Highway 156 and San Felipe
Road.
In Other Business
The Hollister City Council:
– Passed an urgency ordinance disallowing permits for new billboards. A resident recently approached the planning department about putting up 12 billboards along Highway 156 and San Felipe Road.
City Attorney Elaine Cass said the city’s current sign ordinance includes inconsistencies that must be addressed before potentially approving new billboards.
There are currently five billboards in Hollister, each being at least 24 feet by 48 feet, said Community Development Director Bill Card. The urgency ordinance does not include “on premises” signs, Cass said. The permit for a billboard costs an applicant $275.
– Authorized the city to access funds for the completion of a groundwater study near the wastewater treatment plant. The Council previously appropriated $300,000 for the study, which was required by the state water board as part of several mandates and penalties after the 15-million gallon sewage spill last year.
The Council recently approved a contract with Geomatrix Consultants to complete the work. The firm, along with guidance from area water experts and a project management team, will examine effects of surface and groundwater along the San Benito River.
– Accepted contract proposals for equipment and structural upgrades at the Community Center. The hired firm for the project, estimated to cost $127,000 from the RDA fund, would repair the air-conditioning unit and perform ceiling upgrades at the Dunne Park location.
– Appointed new members to two advisory commissions – Eva Reyna to the Seniors Advisory Committee and three people to the Airport Advisory Commission. The three appointees to the AAC were Gordon Machado, Jerry Gabe and Bob Peed. The positions are unpaid.
– Authorized the purchase of four new aerators at the wastewater treatment plant. The devices that float on the wastewater are designed to increase air so microbes, which consume the solid waste, are attracted to the ponds. The lowest bid from US Filter was $44,000.
– Discussed a request for a new stop sign at the intersection of Prune and Hawkins streets. The engineering department recommended the city deny the request. Engineering does, however, recommend the Hollister Police Department increase speed enforcement in the area. The Council requested to follow the staff recommendation.
~ Kollin Kosmicki
