The Half Moon Bay City Council met on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 7:00 PM in a hybrid format. The meeting included recognitions, public hearings, and discussion of tenant protections, animal control ordinance updates, an appeal of a planning commission decision, and municipal energy projects.
City Manager John Dowdy and Mike Noce presented the first phase of tenant protections: a residential rental registration ordinance. This creates Title 6 (Housing) in the municipal code, consolidates definitions, and requires annual registration of all rental units within city limits (excluding unincorporated areas). The ordinance also expands 12-month lease options to all tenants and retains dispute resolution and anti-retaliation provisions. Implementation timeline: registration portal opens June 1, 2024, with full registration by July 1, 2024. Future steps include a draft rent control ordinance in April 2024 and relocation assistance in May, aiming for full implementation by fall 2024. Public testimony supported the ordinance. Council discussion: Councilmember Ruddock supported data collection but clarified she does not support rent control; others expressed support. Motion (including adding rescission of Chapter 7.70) passed 5-0.
City Attorney Katherine Briggs and Lori Metzel (San Mateo County Chief Animal Control Officer) presented updates aligning with the county's model ordinance. Key changes: rabies vaccination age reduced from 4 months to 3 months; higher threshold for declaring a dog "vicious" (requiring serious injury); dangerous dog permits changed from lifetime to 3 years; addition of administrative citations. Public comment by Chris Darbrough supported the update. Council discussion: no objections. Motion to introduce the ordinance passed 5-0.
Community Development Director Jill Ekas presented the appeal by homeowner Laura Russell Ellingson seeking minor modifications to an approved coastal development permit. The planning commission denied the modifications for not meeting residential design guidelines. The appellant argued the city was biased against her, citing neighbor complaints and alleged improper involvement by former Mayor Penrose. Public testimony from neighbors and planning commission member Hazel Johannes supported denial. Council discussion: Councilmember Penrose denied any involvement; others noted the planning commission's unanimous decision and affirmed following guidelines. Motion to deny the appeal based on findings in the resolution passed 5-0.
Public Works Director Maz Busargini presented two options: Option 1: Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) for solar at City Hall and Sheriff's Substation, no upfront cost, estimated $470,000 savings over 20 years (NPV $315,000), but city does not own systems and must commit to 20-year contract; requires roof repair (~$70,000) and connectivity costs. Option 2: City-owned systems via Will Dan, allowing integration of HVAC replacement, EV charging, and roof repairs; three financing tiers (2A: zero-down, break even at year 30; 2B: with existing budgeted funds, break even at year 23; 2C: additional capital, break even at year 18). Storage was not included in Option 1 due to NEM 2.0 constraints. Rafael Reyes (PCE) clarified that NEM 2.0 deadlines apply to both options; interconnection must be completed by April 14, 2024, and PPAs executed by February/March. Public comment: Christalin favored Option 2 for ownership and storage; Joan Winters questioned panel lifespan. Council discussion: Councilmember Brownstone favored Option 2 for ownership and electrification; Councilmembers Penrose and Ruddock requested more detailed financial comparisons; Councilmember Rarback supported studying Option 2; Councilmember Jimenez urged caution given budget deficit. Council directed staff to return on February 6, 2024, with side-by-side cost analysis and more precise numbers.
Bienvenidos. January sixteenth two thousand twenty-four. May I have a roco, please. Councilmember Brownstone. Here. Councilmember Reddick. Here. Councilmember Penrose. Here. Vice Mayor Rareback. Here. Mayor Jimenez. Here. You have a quorum. May we stand for the pledge, please. Thank you. May I have a approval for the agenda, please? So moved. Second. All in favor. I go to our proclamations and uh presentations. Today we're gonna be recognizing our nonprofits, you know, about the tragedy that happened last year, January uh twenty third. It has not been easy, you know, for the for the community since our tragedy or the seven farm workers that were shot and killed in Hafoon Bay, and how affected our community. Thank you to uh to all of you, the organizations and individuals that step forward, you know, to uh to provide a support to local community when we think about the shooting, you know, it's something that we don't think it ever happened in our community, but it did. It is just uh shows of our character of the community at Bay of how all of you and many more came forward to support you know that community needs was right after the floods. So it speaks a lot a lot about our character, the community. Thank you. Today I would like to recognize all the organizations and individuals that for the last year have been providing that support, and the support is gonna continue as our farm workers continue to need our support. I have a list, a long list, and that's what I love about it. Let me find my list. Uh go to uh to the wall. Um we're gonna gather uh that everybody after everybody's called Alas Ayudando Latinos as on the hope. El Centro. I believe they're absent today. But we'll deliver their certificate. Thank you. Cabrillo Unified School District. Okay, uh police step down. Self-help for the elderly. They're also absent today. A body services. Um they're also not here, just for reference, they're located in the East Coast, and they provided a lot of service, so we'll make sure they get the certificate. Thank you. Abundant Grace. Chinese for affirmative action. They're also not here. Rotary Club. Chamber of Commerce. Puente de la Costa Sur. Rabbi Moshe.