MEETING CONVENES
AT 9:00 AM
BOARD MEMBERS:

DISTRICT 1 - Dom Zanger
DISTRICT 2 - Kollin Kosmicki
DISTRICT 3 - Mindy Sotelo
DISTRICT 4 - Angela Curro
DISTRICT 5 - Ignacio Velazquez
San Benito Logo

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the
Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, January 27, 2026

County Administration Building
Board Chambers
481 4th Street
Hollister, CA 95023

Website:
www.sanbenitocountyca.gov
COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER:
Esperanza Colio Warren

COUNTY COUNSEL:
Gregory Priamos

CLERK OF THE BOARD:
Vanessa Delgado
 

THE COMPLETE AGENDA PACKET FOR THIS AGENDA CAN BE ACCESSED HERE

 

 

Levine Act - Campaign Contributions (Government Code Section 84308)


As of January 1, 2023, the Levine Act (Government Code Section 84308) applies to Board of Supervisors proceedings involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use.

Pursuant to Government Code Section 84308, no Board Member shall accept, solicit, or direct a contribution of more than $500 from any party or their agent, or from any participant or their agent, while a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use is pending before the County or for 12 months after a final decision is rendered in that proceeding. Any Board Member who has received a contribution of more than $500 within the preceding 12 months from a party or their agent, or from a participant or their agent, shall disclose that fact on the record of the proceeding and shall not make, participate in making, or in any way attempt to use their official position to influence the decision.

Pursuant to Government Code Section 84308(d), any party to a covered proceeding before the Board is required, and any participant to such a proceeding is strongly urged, to disclose on the record of the proceeding any contribution, including aggregated contributions, of more than $500 made within the preceding 12 months by them or their agent to any Board Member. The disclosure must include the name of the party or participant and any other person making the contribution, if any; the name of the recipient; the amount of the contribution; and the date the contribution was made. The disclosure shall occur in the manner required under Government Code Section 84308 and any applicable state or local regulations, opinions, or policies. No party or their agent, and no participant or their agent, shall make a contribution of more than $500 to any Board Member during the proceeding or for 12 months after a final decision is rendered in that proceeding.

The foregoing statements do not constitute legal advice, and parties and participants are urged to consult with their own legal counsel regarding the requirements of the law. 

CALL TO ORDER


The meeting will be available through Zoom, YouTube, and Peak Agenda for those who wish to join or require accommodations.

Members of the public may participate remotely via zoom at the following link https://zoom.us/join with the following Webinar ID and Password: 
                                                    Webinar ID: 834 0500 4870
                                                    Webinar Password: 043901                               

 

                                                    By Phone: +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
 
Those participating by phone who would like to make a comment can use the “raise hand” feature by dialing “*9”. In order to receive the full zoom experience, please make sure your application is up to date.

This Board of Supervisors meeting is open to the public. Staff and members of the public may observe the meeting remotely using the instructions listed under Call to Order. Remote viewing of the meeting via Zoom is provided to members of the public as a courtesy. If the Zoom connection malfunctions for any reason and no Board members are attending via teleconference, the Board of Supervisors will continue the public meeting in Chambers without remote access.

Remote Viewing:
Members of the public who wish to watch the meeting can view a livestream of the meeting online through either the:
A.   San Benito County Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sbccalifornia
B.   Community Media Access Partnership (CMAP) YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLj3iW3_dsDzbYqnY1KdCvA
C.   Peak Agenda Page: https://cosb.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1

Written Comments & Email Public Comment:
Members of the public may submit comments via email by 5:00 PM on the Monday prior to the Board of Supervisors' meeting to the Clerk of the Board at VDelgado@sanbenitocountyca.gov.
Public Comment Guidelines
         A.  The San Benito County Board of Supervisors welcomes your comments.
         B.  If participating on Zoom, once you are selected, you will hear that you have been unmuted:  At this time, please state your first name, last name, and county you reside in for the record.  
         C.  Each individual speaker will be limited to a presentation total of three (3) minutes, or such other time as may be designated by the Chair.
         D.  If there are more than 10 speakers on any given item, speakers will be given (2) minutes to speak to be able to give everyone an opportunity to speak.
         E.  Speakers are encouraged to keep their comments brief and to the point, and not to repeat prior testimony, so that as many people as possible can be heard.  Your cooperation is appreciated.
 
 If you have any questions, please contact the Clerk of the Board Vanessa Delgado, at (831) 636-4000, Ext. 13 or email VDelgado@sanbenitocountyca.gov

a. Pledge of Allegiance


The Pledge of Allegiance to be led by Supervisor Kosmicki District #2.

b. Acknowledge Certificate of Posting


Acknowledge Certificate of Posting

Cert. of Posting Regular Mtg. 1.27.2026

c. Board Announcements


d. Public Comment
Opportunity to address the Board on items of interest not appearing on the agenda.  No action may be taken unless provided by Govt. Code Section 54954.2.


1.

CONSENT AGENDA

These matters shall be considered as a whole and without discussion unless a particular item is removed from the Consent Agenda.  Approval of a consent item means approval of the recommended action as specified on the Agenda Item Transmittal.
If any member of the public wishes to comment on a Consent Agenda Item, please fill out a speaker card, present it to the Clerk prior to consideration of the Consent Agenda and they will have three (3) minutes to speak on items.
Items pulled from Consent Agenda will be heard later in the meeting.

 

1.1 

AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER - K. GRIFFIN
1. Approve the retroactive Apiary Protection Program Agreement #25-0573-000-SA Enforcement of the registration and inspection of any apiary located in the county from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), for a total not to exceed $3,396.45, and
2. Authorize the Board Chair, County Executive Officer, or designee to sign the contract.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 1.1

 
Agenda Fact Sheet - Apiary Protection Program
Apiary Protection Agreement #25-0573-000-SA
Apiary Protection Program - Sole Source

1.2 

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT - R. WHITE
1. Approve retroactive, non-monetary agreement with Grand Canyon University and San Benito County Behavioral Health (SBCBH) for a Master of Social Work internship program for the term of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2029; and
2. Authorize the Chair, County Executive Officer, or designee to sign.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 810

 
Agenda Fact Sheet -Gran Canyon University
Non-Monetary Agreement - Grand Canyon University

1.3 

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT - R. WHITE
1. Approve Amendment #1 with Traditions Psychiatry Group, P.C. dba Traditions Behavioral Health to increase the contract amount by $380,815.00 for a new total not to exceed $1,060,815.00 for psychiatry services; and
2. Adopt Budget Amendment Resolution in the amount of $380,815.00 to increase appropriations under the Federal Medi-Cal funds and the Services and Supplies Physicians for the Traditions Psychiatry Group contract to pay overdue invoices since November 2025 and to cover anticipated invoices through June 30, 2026; and
3. Authorize the Chair, County Executive Officer, or designee to sign. (4/5 vote required)
SBC FILE NUMBER: 810
RESOLUTION No.: 2026-8

 
Agenda Fact Sheet - Traditions Psychiatry Group P.C.
Amendment #1 - Traditions Psychiatry Group, P.C. dba Traditions Behavioral Health
Budget Adjustment Resolution - Traditions

1.4 

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT - R. WHITE
1. Approve revised retroactive contract with Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services' Marie Green Psychiatric Center for the term of January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, for special services in crisis stabilization, inpatient psychiatric services, and beds for San Benito County clients who may be in crisis and may need access to MGPC’s short-term hospitalization services as it was discovered by the Contractor that some edits didn't make the final signed contract including typos and invoice and billing updates, for a total not to exceed $100,000.00; and
2. Authorize Chair, County Executive Officer, or designee to sign said revised contract.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 810

 
Agenda Fact Sheet - Merced County BH and Recovery Services
San Benito County - Merced MGPC Contract Revised 11.7.25
Merced MGPC Sole Source
Original Contract - Merced County

1.5 

COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICE - E. COLIO WARREN
Authorize the County Executive Officer to lift the hiring freeze for two (2.0) FTE Library Assistant I - Limited Term (LT) positions in the San Benito County Free Library and authorize Human Resources to conduct an open recruitment to fill the positions.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 119

 
Agenda Fact Sheet - Library LT Positions

1.6 

COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICE - E. COLIO WARREN
Adopt Resolution authorizing the County Executive Officer, in their capacity as director of emergency services, to execute all memorandum of understanding, contracts, and agreements relating to the county’s Office of Emergency Services superseding Resolutions No. 2025-2, 2025-3, and 2025-49 Authorizing the County Executive Officer to Obtain, Manage, and Expend Federal Grant Funds for the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG), and Bay Area Urban Shield Initiative (UASI) through FY 2027.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 119
RESOLUTION NO.: 2026-9

 
Agenda Fact Sheet - CEO Authority for OES Execution
RESOLUTION NO 2026-9 CEO authority for OES Execution
2026-01-27 Fact Sheet for CEO authority over OES Execution

1.7 

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY- T. BELTON
1. Adopt Resolution accepting the 2026 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) from the State of California Department of Community Services & Development (CSD); and
2. Approve retroactive Standard Agreement #26F-5034 in the amount of $281,647.00 for the term of January 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027 to administer and operate community-based programs to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower low-income families and individuals within San Benito County to achieve greater self-sufficiency; and
3. Authorize the Chair, County Executive Officer, or designee to sign the agreement and any amendments thereto.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 939
RESOLUTION NO.: 2026-10

 
Agenda Fact Sheet - 2026 CSBG Grant
Resolution - 2026 CSBG 26F-5034
Agreement 2026 CSBG 26F-5034

1.8 

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY-T. BELTON 
1. Adopt Resolution accepting the 2026 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grant to provide assistance to qualifying program clients with utility payments in the amount of $359,916.00; and

2. Approve retroactive Standard Agreement No. 26B-4029 with the State of California Department of Community Services and Development for the term of November 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027; and

3. Authorize the Chair, County Executive Officer, or designee to execute each of these agreements and any amendments thereto.

SBC FILE NUMBER: 939
RESOLUTION NO: 2026-11

 
Agenda Fact Sheet - 2026 LIHEAP Grant
Contract - LIHEAP 26B-4029
Resolution - LIHEAP 26B-4029

1.9 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY/PUBLIC WORKS - S. LOUPE  
Approve Purchase Order for a new wood chipper (2025 VERMEER BC 1500) for a total amount of $111,318.73 to replace the 1998 model wood chipper that is not California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliant and is restricted to emergency use only.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 105

 
Agenda Fact Sheet -Wood Chipper
Requisition for SignVermeer woodchipper
Vermeer wood chipper Quote
Budget Perf Report for Roads fixed asset
Sourcewell Vermeer Contract 010925-1

1.10 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY/PUBLIC WORKS – S. LOUPE
1. Adopt the plans and specifications for the County Service Areas Road Service Repair Project, PWB-2522; and
2. Authorize Chair, County Executive Officer, or designee to sign the Invitation for Bids; and
3. Authorize the advertisement for bids to construct the project.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 105.3

 
Agenda Fact Sheet -PWB-2522
CSA Road Project Specs PWB-2522 BID Packet
COUNTY SERVICE AREA ROAD SURFACE REPAIR PROJECT 2026

1.11 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY/PUBLIC WORKS – S. LOUPE
1. Approve Declaration of Right of Way Maintenance Agreement with San Juan Oaks Owner, LLC, and San Juan Oaks Golf Owner, LLC, requiring their team, not County CFD contractors or staff, to provide regular street sweeping, to clean culverts, maintain decorative streetlights, maintain entry monuments maintain fencing, maintain landscaping, and maintain golf course irrigation lines adjacent to San Juan Oaks Drive; and
2. Authorize the Chair, County Executive Officer, or designee to sign the agreement.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 105.3

 
Agenda Fact Sheet - SJO Maintenance Agreement
Development Agreement-San Juan Oaks
San Juan Oaks Maintenance Agreement

1.12 

TREASURER/TAX COLLECTOR/PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR - M. CASILLAS
Receive and accept the monthly Treasurer's Portfolio Report for the month ending November 30, 2025. The Treasurer's Portfolio Report contains the activities and balances of the operating accounts and the investments of the Treasury. The portfolio, as of November 30, 2025, was $426,180,444. The focus of the Treasurer's portfolio follows Government Code Section 5360 et seq. mandates in the order of 1) safety, 2) liquidity, and 3) return. The Treasurer follows the Board approved Investment Policy of 2025.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 685.2

 
Agenda Fact Sheet - November Report
BOS NOV25 PORTFOLIO REPORT
2.

PUBLIC HEARING

 

2.1 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY/PUBLIC WORKS - S. LOUPE
(To be Heard at 9:30 a.m. or soon thereafter as the matter may be heard)

1. Adopt Resolution Approving Annexation No. 23, Tax Zone 26 (J.M. O’Donnell Family Ranch LLC) - 859 Cowden Road, Hollister, California 95023, to annex property located in the Future Annexation Area of Community Facilities District 2018-1 (Residential Services) into CFD 2018-1, approving the annexation of APN Nos. 021-120-005-000 and 021-120-006-000 into Tax Zone 26 and levying the special tax on the annexed property; and

2. Authorize and direct the Clerk of the Board/Resource Management Agency staff to prepare and record an amended notice of special tax listing the property added to the CFD; and
3. Adopt a map of the newly annexed territory; and
4. Authorize and direct the Clerk of the Board/Resource Management Agency staff to record this map.

SBC FILE NUMBER: 105.3
RESOLUTION NO: 2026-12

 
Agenda Fact Sheet - Annexation 23 O'Donnell
PowerPoint Presentation - Annexation No. 23 - O'Donnell
Board Resolution - Annexation 23 Tax Zone 26 (O'Donnell)
859 Cowden Rd., Hollister, CA 95023
12-18-2024 Planning Commission's Resolution 2024-26 - PLN230033 Minor Subdivision - 859 Cowden Road (O'Donnell)
CFD 2018-1 Annexation 23 - Unanimous Approval with Ex's (O'Donnell) - signed (08-15-25)
Resolution No.2025-113 - Annexation 23-O'Donnell
Pub Hrg. Notice - CFD 2018-01 Annexation No. 23 (O'Donnell)
3.

REGULAR AGENDA

For each regular agenda item, the following schedule shall occur:
           a) Staff report.
           b) Public opportunity to address the Board on a particular agenda item. Please
                fill out a speaker card and present it to the Clerk prior to consideration of the
                item.
           c) Consideration by the Board

 

3.1 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY/PUBLIC WORKS - S. LOUPE
1. Receive a presentation regarding the San Benito River cleanup project; and

2. Provide staff direction.

SBC File Number: 119

 
Agenda Fact Sheet - River Cleanup
Presentation San Benito River Cleanup Updates 1.27.26

3.2 

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Discuss the County Board of Supervisors' top 2026 board policy priorities and provide staff direction as desired.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 15

 
Agenda Fact Sheet - Board Priorities
2025 Board Priorities

3.3 

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Authorize one (1) County representative, Supervisor Angela Curro, Board of Supervisor for District 4, to travel out of state to Washington, D.C, to attend the 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference February 21-24, 2026 including payment of conference registration fees, airfare, and lodging in accordance with San Benito County Travel Policy and Board Rules.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 156

 
Agenda Fact Sheet - NACO Travel Approval
1-13-26 Supervisor Curro - NACo DC Travel
Travel Policy BOS approved on 2-11-25

3.4 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY/PUBLIC WORKS  – S. LOUPE
1. Discuss the San Benito County Old Courthouse remodel project; and
2. Authorize staff to proceed with the current contract with Anderson Brule Architects for $84,915.00 for the initial phase of work for architectural and engineering design services that includes Building Assessment, Concept Design, and Cost Modeling; and
3. Provide staff direction as desired.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 105.3

 
Board Agenda Fact Sheet - Old Courthouse Remodel
Anderson Brule Architects- Old Courthouse Project

3.5 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY/PUBLIC WORKS - S. LOUPE
1.    Discuss and select road improvement projects for submittal to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – 2023/2024 CDBG-DR Infrastructure (DR-INF) Program award of $1,911,246.00 and an additional award of $9,563,290.00 for the 2023/2024 Mitigation Resilient Infrastructure & Planning Program; and
2.    Adopt Resolution authorizing the County Executive Officer or designee to submit a grant application to HCD with the selected projects in the amount of $17,000,000.00. The resolution includes an allocation of $11,400,000.00 and an additional $5,600,000.00 of potential funding.; and
3.    Authorize the Chair, County Executive Officer, or designee to execute the standard agreement, any amendments thereto, and all other documents required by HCD or HUD for participation in the CDBG Program.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 105.3

 
Agenda Fact Sheet - CDBG Grant Resolution
Presentation - HCD-CDBG Grant Update
Resolution - Application for CDBG-DR-INF
4.

CLOSED SESSION

Matters discussed during Closed Session include existing and pending litigation,
personnel matters and real property negotiations. Reportable actions taken by the
Board during Closed Session will be announced during open session. (Gov. Code
Section 54957.1(a) and (b), Ralph M. Brown Act.)

 

4.1 

CLOSED SESSION - CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to Litigation - Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2), (e)(1)
Number of Potential Cases: 1
SBC FILE NUMBER: 160

 

4.2 

CLOSED SESSION – CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR(S)
Conference with labor negotiator - Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency representatives:
Esperanza Colio Warren, CEO and Allyson Hauck, Sloan Sakai
Employee Organizations: All Bargaining Units including Management Employees Group (MEG), Law
Enforcement Management (LEM), Service Employees International Union (SEIU Local 521), Institutions
Association (IA), and Deputy Sheriff’s Association (DSA).
All Unrepresented, Confidential, and Confidential Management employees, Appointed Department
Heads, and Elected Department Heads.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 160

 

4.3 

CLOSED SESSION - CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Existing Litigation - Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Number of Cases:  1
Name of Case: Sandman, Inc., et al. v. County of San Benito, Northern District of California Case No. 25-cv-02736-PCP
SBC FILE NUMBER: 160

 

4.4 

CLOSED SESSION - CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to Litigation - Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2)(e)(1)
Number of Cases: 1
SBC FILE NUMBER: 160

 
Nash Road Safety Issues - Notice of Default and Dispute Resolution Letter

4.5 

CLOSED SESSION - CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to Litigation - Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2)(e)(1)
Number of Cases: 1
SBC FILE NUMBER: 160

 

4.6 

CLOSED SESSION – CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property:  Verizon Cell Tower in Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1023 Memorial Drive, San Benito County (APN #056-250-038 and #056-250-039)
Agency negotiator:  Esperanza Colio Warren, County Executive Officer
Negotiating parties: Verizon
Under negotiation:  Rent amount, Rent escalator, additional renewal terms, lump sum payment for perpetual easement, and terms of payment
SBC FILE NUMBER: 160

 
5.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 

5.1 

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Discuss and approve future agenda item requests submitted by board members and provide staff direction if desired.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 156

 
Future Agenda Items Request Form - Board Members -Fillable
Future Agenda Item Request - Kosmicki - Sales Tax Reimbursement Program
Future Agenda Item List 1.27.26 - 2026
Future Agenda Item List 1.27.26 - 2025

MISCELLANEOUS AND OTHER ITEMS


CONTRACTS

RJR Environmental Professional Services, Inc (RMA)
Samuel Mason Towing & Transport (RMA)
STECH Consulting, LLC - Asbestos (RMA Public Works)
STECH Consulting, LLC - SBC Jail repairs (RMA)
Superior Promos - Requisition (HHSA)
The Coalition of Homeless Services Providers (HHSA)
The Davey Tree Expert Company (RMA Public Works)
TracNet Contract - Software Management (Sheriff)
TRC Engineers Inc Amendment #4 - Cienega Road Rehabilitation Project (RMA)
Wright Bros. Welding and Sheetmetal, Inc. Amendment #1 (RMA Public Works)
Benitolink Contract (RMA)
Bracewell Engineering, Inc Amendment #1 - Historical Park Monitoring and Reporting (RMA)
Brigantino Irrigation, Inc - Stonegate AG Water Meter (RMA)
Don Chapin Company, Inc. Amendment #1 - North Chappell Rd Security Fence (RMA)
Double Strong Conrete, LLC - CSA's Quail Hollow and Oak Creek (RMA)
Enterprise Electric, Inc - Change Order - Vets Park (RMA Public Works)
Everon Agreement (Probation)
Family Matters SBC, 501(c)(3) Contract (Probation)
Guidance Gardens
Hollister Paint Company, Inc Amendment #1 (Board Chambers Painting)(RMA)
JR Miller and Associates Amendment #1 (IWM)
N-Able Technologies, LTD - Software computer support (IT)
Opterra Energy Services, LLC Contract (RMA)
Reid Lerner, dba Reid Lerner Architects Amendment #1 (RMA Public Works)
RFI Enterprises, Inc. Amendment #1 (BH)

ADJOURNMENT


Adjourn to the next regular meeting of February 10, 2026.

NOTE: A copy of this Agenda is published, along with supportive documents, on the County's Web site on the Wednesday preceding each Board meeting and may be viewed at https://cosb.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1. All proposed agenda items with supportive documents are also available for viewing at the San Benito County Administration Building, 481 Fourth Street, Hollister, CA between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). This is the same packet that the Board of Supervisors reviews and discusses at each Board meeting.

As required by Gov. Code Section 54957.5 any public record distributed to the Board of Supervisors less than 72 hours prior to this meeting in connection with any agenda item shall be made available for public inspection at the office of the Clerk of the Board, San Benito County Administration Building, 481 Fourth Street, Hollister, CA 95023. Public records distributed during the meeting will be available for public inspection at the meeting if prepared by the County. If the public record is prepared by some other person and distributed at the meeting it will be made available for public inspection following the meeting at the office of the Clerk of the Board.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) the Board of Supervisors meeting facility is accessible to persons with disabilities. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Clerk of the Board's office at (831) 636-4000 at least 48 hours before the meeting to enable the County to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility.