Half Moon Bay City Council Regular Meeting – November 19, 2024

The City Council of Half Moon Bay met on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 7:00 PM in a hybrid format. The meeting included consent calendar approvals, a proposal for a fire pit pilot project, a downtown gateway monument feasibility study, an informational briefing on a transportation demand management plan, and a development impact fee waiver for emergency farmworker housing. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1A through 1M were approved en bloc, including:
  • Waiving reading of resolutions and ordinances (1A)
  • Approval of minutes from August 20 – October 15, 2024 (1B)
  • Warrants for September and October 2024 (1C, 1D)
  • Treasurer's Report for quarter ending September 30, 2024 (1E)
  • Amendment No. 5 with Alta Planning and Design for Eastside Parallel Trail North – Segment 4, increasing the contract by $161,780 to a total of $324,673 (1F)
  • Amendment with Peninsula Municipal Engineering for Highway 1 Safety – North project management, not to exceed $143,000 (1G)
  • Resolution of Public Interest and Convenience to sell a portion of 880 Stone Pine Road for a 47-unit affordable farmworker housing project (Stone Pine Cove) (1H)
  • Declaration of exempt surplus land for the same property (1I)
  • Final acceptance of the 2024 Street Maintenance Project (1J)
  • Professional services agreement with Black & Veatch Corporation for stormwater NPDES and annual reporting services, not to exceed $154,996 (1K)
  • Amendment No. 3 with SWCA, Inc. for John L. Carter Park Improvements, increasing the contract by $46,364 to a total of $107,032 (1L)
  • Resolution authorizing the Wavecrest Trail License Agreement with Coastside Land Trust (1M)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nancy Fontana expressed concern about potential bias on the council, referencing a Sacramento case that cost the city $27 million. She also clarified her earlier criticism of speaking time limits.
• Brad Johnson raised safety concerns at the library, describing a woman who allegedly pulled a knife and harassed an 80-year-old. He requested an investigation and criticized city responsiveness.
• Kristalyn (Coastside Chamber) announced Knights of Lights events (tree lighting Nov. 29, parade Dec. 6, etc.) and supported the fire pit pilot project. She also noted sandbag locations on the chamber website.
• Norm Picker urged approval of the Hyatt project appeal, arguing the project would bring investment and jobs.
• Rocío Avila thanked the city for the new urgent care and requested Spanish-language flyers.

Discussion Items

3A – Fire Pit Pilot Project at Poplar Beach

Eagle Scout candidate Chloe Standez proposed a 14-day pilot with up to four portable fire pits on Poplar Beach, beginning in early December 2024. The city would own the pits, and the pilot would include extended parking hours (to 10 PM) on four nights. The project aims to provide a safe place for youth and reduce illegal bonfires. Staff noted the pilot required council resolution. Public speakers (Kristalyn, Sarah Polgar via Zoom) expressed strong support. Council members praised the initiative. Motion to approve carried unanimously.

3B – Downtown Gateway Monument

Staff presented a request to hire RHAA Landscape Architecture and Planning for design and engineering services for a gateway monument at the north entrance to downtown (Main Street and Highway 92). The estimated cost for this phase is $78,170, plus a $20,000 transfer from the General Fund. Staff noted significant community support from the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan process. Council members questioned placement and cost, but supported moving forward with a feasibility study. Motion to adopt the resolution and authorize the contract and fund transfer carried unanimously.

3C – Informational Briefing on “Get There Together” TDM Plan

Consultant Alex Mercury presented the draft Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan, developed in partnership with San Mateo County. The plan outlines 14 strategies to expand transportation options, manage parking, and promote alternatives to driving alone. Councilmember Penrose criticized the plan as a waste of money, citing lack of results from past efforts. Councilmember Brownstone suggested comparing cost-effective examples from similar communities. Staff clarified that the plan positions the city for grant funding. No action was taken; the plan will be brought back for final consideration in early 2025.

3D – Development Impact Fee Waiver for 300 Main Street (Zaballa House)

Staff recommended waiving $122,369 in development impact fees for the conversion of eight commercial lodging units to permanent rental housing at 300 Main Street. The Cresson family, property owners, provided emergency housing for farmworkers displaced by the January 2023 mass shooting. The city saved on rent costs due to below-market rates. Council members thanked the Cresson family and supported the waiver, but agreed not to backfill the fee waiver from the Affordable Housing Fund. Motion to adopt the resolution waiving the fees carried unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved unanimously.
• Fire pit pilot project approved (14 days, up to 4 pits, extended parking hours on four nights).
• Downtown Gateway Monument feasibility study approved (RHAA contract $78,170 plus $20,000 transfer from General Fund).
• TDM Plan received as informational; final approval expected in early 2025.
• Zaballa House fee waiver approved ($122,369 waived; no backfill from Affordable Housing Fund).