City Council Regular Meeting - August 20, 2024

The Half Moon Bay City Council met on August 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM in a hybrid format. The meeting included introductions of new personnel, presentations from Peninsula Clean Energy and the Midcoast Community Council, public comments, approval of warrants and the treasurer's report, and adoption of a countywide Roadway Safety Plan with Vision Zero goals, as well as approval of a contract amendment for biological monitoring at the Stone Pine Cove affordable housing project.

Proclamations & Presentations

• Captain Richard Cheechov Introduction: Captain Cheechov, returning to Half Moon Bay after service with the Sheriff's Office, introduced himself and expressed commitment to understanding community goals.
• Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) Presentation: CEO Sean Marshall reported that PCE has saved customers over $175 million since 2016 (on track for $200 million by year-end), with 97% participation in Half Moon Bay (5,000 accounts) and $2 million in local savings. PCE is shifting its 100% renewable goal from 2025 to 2030 to keep rates affordable and now offers a $10,000 zero-interest loan for home electrification, with over 600 loans issued. PCE also highlighted a member agency energy grant of $155,000 allocated to Half Moon Bay.
• Midcoast Community Council Update: Scott Bullinger reported on two topics: (1) GGNRA's replanning of San Vicente Creek (equestrian concerns, water quality, fire prevention) and (2) potential demolition of the Catch Joanne building in the harbor, which would displace Mavericks Surf Shop, Pelagic Fish Market, Half Moon Bay Sport Fishing, and the Catch Joanne Harbor Pub. He also noted that Seton Coastside Medical Center is expected to reopen for urgent care in spring 2025. Councilmember Ruddock added that Seton will present at the September 3 meeting.

Mayor's Announcements & City Manager Updates

• Mayor Jimenez thanked participants in the August 10 Vaquero Days event, noting live music, horses, vendors, and cleanup support from the Coast House.
• City Manager John provided a National Night Out recap: 21 parties (down from 26 due to collaborative sign-ups), with attendance ranging from 10 to 100. He also clarified misinformation on social media: The City is not forcing Our Lady of Pillar Church to develop property or provide parking for 555 Kelly Avenue; the Church declined a request, ending the matter.

Public Forum

• Chris Allen (Coastside Chamber of Commerce & Opportunity Center of the Coast) announced that clipper card refills and new cards are now available at 637 Main Street, filling a gap where the nearest refill station was 30 minutes away.
• Paul Nagengast (229 Valdez Avenue) introduced himself as a candidate for City Council District 3, emphasizing financial stability, law enforcement, Highway 1 safety, and local control. He questioned credit card purchases totaling $108,000 on the warrants lists for April–June 2024 and a $480,900 payment to Coastside County Water District described as "sewer connections" but later clarified as water connections for Stone Pine Cove.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1B, 1C, 1D (Warrants for April, May, June 2024) and 1E (Treasurer's Report) were pulled for discussion. Staff explained that all credit card purchases are verified by department heads and finance, with monthly totals typically $30,000–$40,000; the larger sum reflected three months combined. The warrants have already been paid; adoption is an acceptance item. The $480,900 payment was a description error (water, not sewer) and came from state funds for Stone Pine Cove. A councilmember raised Government Code 1090 concerns regarding payments to JobTrain, but staff noted that recusal applies to contracts, and the warrants are for already-paid bills. The council asked for a written analysis before the contract expires in September.
• Treasurer's Report: Ken presented: city had $51 million in bank accounts (general fund cash: $14 million), average yield 3.9%, up 1% from last year. Staff also broke down the Affordable Housing Fund: gross balance ~$5.9 million as of June 30, including a $1.5 million county grant for 555 Kelly pre-development, $2 million committed from Becker/state for farm worker housing, and $1.25 million state grant for Stone Pine Cove (remaining $769,100 after $480,900 water connection payment for 30 equivalent units, ~$10,000 per unit). Unassigned fund balance: $1.7 million.
• Votes: Motion to accept warrants (1B,1C,1D) passed unanimously. Motion to accept Treasurer's Report passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

• 3A. Countywide & Local Roadway Safety Plan with Vision Zero Goals: Public Works Director Moz Bilzigini presented the plan, developed with C/CAG using 2017–2021 crash data. The countywide goal is zero traffic fatalities and 50% reduction in non-fatal crashes by 2050. For Half Moon Bay, emphasis areas include pedestrian/bicycle safety, nighttime/low light, unsignalized intersections, speed, and alcohol involvement. A local plan (funded by a $150,000 federal grant, $130,000 grant-funded) will begin soon with community outreach. Public speaker Paul Nagengast supported adoption. Council discussion: Vice Mayor Rarback urged prioritization of Kelly Avenue Complete Streets and Main Street North projects. Councilmember Brownstone requested revisiting the Kelly/Highway 1 intersection improvements with Caltrans, noting the pork chop islands were removed from a $5 million Caltrans project. Councilmember Ruddock recommended focusing on safe routes to school for grant funding. Staff noted an Active Transportation Program grant application for Kelly Avenue is pending, with results expected by end of 2024.
  • Vote: Motion to adopt resolution approving the plan passed unanimously (5-0).
• 3B. Amendment to Agreement with SWCA Environmental Consultants for Stone Pine Cove Biological Monitoring: City Manager John presented Amendment No. 1 for $205,652.31 (including original $30,000 contract plus up to 150 additional hours) for biological monitoring during construction. A red-legged frog was found in an old vault on site; a certified biologist will relocate it to Pillar Creeks this week. Work had been stopped due to contractor issues but is expected to resume next week. The cost is covered by state funds, not general fund.
  • Vote: Motion to adopt resolution authorizing the amendment passed unanimously (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Accepted warrants for April, May, June 2024, and Treasurer's Report for quarter ending June 30, 2024. Staff directed to provide a Government Code 1090 analysis regarding JobTrain contracts.
• Roadway Safety Plan: Unanimously adopted. Staff will continue pursuing grants for Kelly Avenue and engage Caltrans on Highway 1 intersection improvements.
• Stone Pine Cove Monitoring Contract: Unanimously approved. Biological monitoring will continue with frog relocation planned immediately.