The Hollister City Council on Aug. 3 plans a nearly $300,000 sidewalk replacement program that will targeted to areas of town that are “below the median income levels.” Because of specific restrictions tied to Community Development Block Grant funding, the replacement of “distressed” sidewalks would take place in the following areas:
- North of San Juan Hollister Road (Fourth Street)
- West of Line Street between Powell Street and San Benito Street
- Between Prune Street and Prospect Avenue north of Tres Pinos Road
In a report that will be presented to the council on Monday, Interim Engineering Manager and City Engineer David Rubcic said the sidewalks slated for repair “have been uplifted, damaged or badly cracked and pose a pedestrian safety issue.” In addition, corner curb ramps that help people with disabilities use sidewalks would be replaced as well.
In other action
The city council will also consider allowing the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau to utilize the remaining $11,257.21 in funding from the city, since that amount remained from a $50,000 commitment to the chamber from the city at the end of the fiscal year, which ended June 30. The action is necessary so that the remaining money can continue to be utilized by the chamber for its ongoing tourism and marketing campaign. The $50,000 city commitment came from transient occupancy tax revenue generated from hotel and motel stays.
The council will consider adopting an ordinance that would add three-hour parking restrictions on the west side of Monterey Street in front of San Benito High School between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. School officials sought the restrictions to help prevent people from parking in front of the school all day and to allow area residents to utilize the parking on evenings, overnight and weekends.
On the recommendation of Councilman Victor Gomez, the council will also consider a resolution calling for a “legislative recess” in July 2016, meaning that the two scheduled council meetings that month would be canceled and the Airport, Parks and Recreation, Planning Commission and any other committee meetings would not be staffed. The proposed resolution notes that many city staff members “are busy preparing” for the Hollister Freedom Rally on the Fourth of July weekend and some “are trying to use administrative leave before the end of the fiscal year.” It also notes that “there will probably be a lack of business to be conducted prior to the 4th of July.”
The Hollister City Council will meet in City Hall, 375 Fifth St., starting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3.